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| Bahrain upholds activists' life sentences | Bahrain upholds activists' life sentences |
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| Bahrain's highest court has upheld jail sentences against 20 opposition figures – including eight sentenced to life in prison – in a decision likely to spark further street protests in the Gulf nation and draw renewed criticism from its western allies. | Bahrain's highest court has upheld jail sentences against 20 opposition figures – including eight sentenced to life in prison – in a decision likely to spark further street protests in the Gulf nation and draw renewed criticism from its western allies. |
| The group includes a rights activist who staged a 110-day hunger strike last year to protest against the verdicts and is part of a widespread crackdown on dissent since an Arab spring-inspired uprising began nearly two years ago in the strategic island kingdom, which is home to the US navy's 5th Fleet. | The group includes a rights activist who staged a 110-day hunger strike last year to protest against the verdicts and is part of a widespread crackdown on dissent since an Arab spring-inspired uprising began nearly two years ago in the strategic island kingdom, which is home to the US navy's 5th Fleet. |
| Bahrain's majority Shia, who have led sporadic unrest in the past, claim they face systematic discrimination at the hands of the Sunni monarchy. Bahrain's rulers have offered some reforms, including giving more powers to the elected parliament, but opposition leaders say they fall short of demands for a role in key government affairs. | |
| More than 55 people have died in the unrest since February 2011 and many opposition leaders and activists have been arrested, including the group of 20 charged with plotting to overthrow the government. | More than 55 people have died in the unrest since February 2011 and many opposition leaders and activists have been arrested, including the group of 20 charged with plotting to overthrow the government. |
| Defence lawyer Jalil al-Aradi said the court had refused to reconsider the sentences or convictions, which were handed down in 2011 by a military-led tribunal created under temporary martial law-style rules. The group has claimed they faced abuses while in custody. | Defence lawyer Jalil al-Aradi said the court had refused to reconsider the sentences or convictions, which were handed down in 2011 by a military-led tribunal created under temporary martial law-style rules. The group has claimed they faced abuses while in custody. |
| Among the eight sentenced to life in prison is rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who staged a more than three-month hunger strike last year. The other 12 received sentences ranging from five to 15 ears, with seven convicted in absentia. | |
| The case has brought international pressure to bear on Bahrain, including efforts by Denmark to free al-Khawaja, who also holds Danish citizenship. Scattered protests broke out in Bahrain shortly after the court's decision, which could close all further appeal options. | |
| "The Bahrain regime is pushing its human rights crisis closer to the edge," said Brian Dooley, director of the human rights defenders programme at US-based Human Rights First. | "The Bahrain regime is pushing its human rights crisis closer to the edge," said Brian Dooley, director of the human rights defenders programme at US-based Human Rights First. |
| Last year, the official Bahrain News Agency said the charges included "plotting to overthrow the regime" and having "foreign intelligence contacts" – a reference to Shiite powerhouse Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah in Lebanon. Bahraini leaders have accused Iran of having links to the protesters. Tehran has strongly criticised crackdowns against Shiites in Bahrain, but denies providing any active assistance. | Last year, the official Bahrain News Agency said the charges included "plotting to overthrow the regime" and having "foreign intelligence contacts" – a reference to Shiite powerhouse Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah in Lebanon. Bahraini leaders have accused Iran of having links to the protesters. Tehran has strongly criticised crackdowns against Shiites in Bahrain, but denies providing any active assistance. |
| A government statement at the time said the court "provided all assurances of a fair trial" and allowed defence lawyers full access to the defendants. It also said they received "full medical care" in prison. | A government statement at the time said the court "provided all assurances of a fair trial" and allowed defence lawyers full access to the defendants. It also said they received "full medical care" in prison. |
| The crisis in Bahrain has pushed Washington into a corner. It wants to maintain its security and political ties with Bahrain's leaders, but has increasingly condemned the violence and urged the country's rulers to open wide-ranging talks with the opposition. | The crisis in Bahrain has pushed Washington into a corner. It wants to maintain its security and political ties with Bahrain's leaders, but has increasingly condemned the violence and urged the country's rulers to open wide-ranging talks with the opposition. |
| Bahrain also faces showdowns over jailed activists, including rights campaigner Nabeel Rajab, whose prosecution has led to criticism from Washington. |