4 Civilians Condemned to Death, 3 to Life in Prison in Unfair Military Trial
May 2, 2011
"(Washington, DC) - Bahraini authorities should set aside a military court ruling on April 28, 2011, sentencing four defendants to death and three others to life in prison for their alleged involvement in the murder of two police officers, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch understands that the seven defendants, ages 19 to 24, whose trial and sentencing lasted less than two weeks, are the first civilians to be convicted in special military courts set up after King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa declared martial law on March 15.
Authorities accused them of running over two police officers on March 16, 2011, when security forces attacked protesters occupying the Pearl Roundabout in central Manama.
"By establishing these special courts, the government of Bahrain is making it near impossible for defendants to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled," said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "The role of the military prosecutor, the makeup of the special court, and the meager access to legal representation undermine the most basic due process protections."
May 2, 2011
"(Washington, DC) - Bahraini authorities should set aside a military court ruling on April 28, 2011, sentencing four defendants to death and three others to life in prison for their alleged involvement in the murder of two police officers, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch understands that the seven defendants, ages 19 to 24, whose trial and sentencing lasted less than two weeks, are the first civilians to be convicted in special military courts set up after King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa declared martial law on March 15.
Authorities accused them of running over two police officers on March 16, 2011, when security forces attacked protesters occupying the Pearl Roundabout in central Manama.
"By establishing these special courts, the government of Bahrain is making it near impossible for defendants to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled," said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "The role of the military prosecutor, the makeup of the special court, and the meager access to legal representation undermine the most basic due process protections."
One defense lawyer who had initially acted in the case was arrested just before midnight on April 15 and lack of information about his whereabouts and well-being gives rise to concern that he may have been forcibly disappeared. Other defense lawyers were called in for questioning in recent days...."
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