| Submit your comments on this article |
| Arabia |
| Harsh sentences for doctors who helped Bahraini protesters |
| 2011-09-30 |
| Bahrain sentenced 20 doctors on Thursday to between five and 15 years on theft and other charges in what critics said was reprisal for treating protesters during recent unrest. A security court also sentenced a man to death for killing a policeman by driving his car over him several times and participating in illegal gatherings for "terrorist goals." Another man was given a life term for his involvement. The doctors, who denied the charges, were among dozens of medical professionals arrested during protests led by Shi'ites demanding an end to discrimination and a greater voice in government. The doctors were charged with stealing medicine, stockpiling weapons and occupying a hospital during the unrest and also were jailed for forcibly occupying a hospital, spreading lies and false news, withholding treatment, inciting hatred of Bahrain's rulers and calling for their overthrow. Defense lawyer Mohsen al-Alawi said, "We were shocked by the verdicts because we were expecting the doctors would be proved innocent of the crime of occupying the Salmaniya medical complex," adding the hearing had lasted no more than 10 minutes. The doctors say the charges against them were trumped up to punish medical staff for treating people who took part in the protests. Ten of the doctors, including senior physician Ali Al-Ekri, were given 15-year terms, two were sentenced to 10 years in prison and the rest to five. Alawi said, "After today's verdict and those issued yesterday we feel pessimism," adding they would appeal the decision. On Wednesday a military court upheld life sentences against Shi'ite opposition leaders for organising the protests in a trial described as a "sham" by Amnesty International. A State Department spokesman said the United States was "deeply disturbed" by the sentencing of the doctors. Spokesman Mark Toner said, "We continue to urge the Bahraini government to abide by its commitment to transparent judicial proceedings, including a fair trial, access to attorneys and verdicts based on credible evidence." A senior Bahraini official said the government was still prepared to hold more talks with opposition parties to try to end the protests. "Everything is open for discussion except regime change. That doesn't mean it has to be discussed today (but) the king said reforms are not going to stop. Other issues can be brought to the table -- when and how, I'm not sure," said Sheikh Abdul-Aziz bin Mubarak al-Khalifa. |
| Posted by:ryuge |