TWENTY-ONE POLITICAL ACTIVISTS have been accused by a Bahraini military court of attempting to overthrow the ruling majority with the support of foreign terrorists.
In Bahrain, demonstrators inspired by unrest in the Arab world have been calling for greater political reform since mid-February.
Last month, a military court convicted four men of killing two policemen during the protests and were sentenced to death. Three others were sentenced to life in prison for their role in the deaths, according to Bahraini state media. The verdicts can not be appealed.
Among those going on trial today are human rights activists and some of the top opposition leaders who have been in custody since emergency rule was declared in March, al Jazeera reports. Only 14 of those charged are actually in custody; the others are being tried in absentia.
Over 30 people have died in the unrest and subsequent government crackdown. Last week, Bahrain’s justice minister said 23 doctors and 24 nurses would face charge including attempts to overthrow the monarchy.
A Bahraini government official claims the kingdom has lost up to $2 billion (€1.4 billion) due to the political unrest, Al Arabiya reports. A number of conferences and events, such as the F1 Grand Prix, have been cancelled and over 1,000 workers have reportedly been arrested over their alleged involvement in the protests.
- Additional reporting by the AP
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