Bahraini politicians sentenced to life in prison

A Bahraini court on Wednesday sentenced eight people to life in prison for their alleged role in plotting to topple the political regime. The National Safety Court of First Instance issued the ruling against Abdul Wahab Hussain Ali Ahmad, Hassan Ali Mushaima, Abdul Hadi Abdullah Al Khawaja, Abdul Jalil Abdullah Al Singees, Mohammad Habib Al Saffaf (Al Miqdad), Saeed Mirza Ahmad, Abdul Jalil Radhi Makki and the London-based Saeed Abdulnabi Al Shehabi who was tried in absentia. The court also sentenced 10 defendants to 15 years, two to five years and one to two years. Ebrahim Shareef, the secretary general of the National Democratic Action Society "Waad", Bahrain's largest liberal society, was of the two defendants sentenced to five years in prison. Article continues below The society, an expression of leftist tendencies, this week distanced itself from the political slogans that called in February and March for the downfall of the regime and said that it wanted to contribute to the shaping of a new future for Bahrain through participating in the national dialogue scheduled for early July. The verdicts can be challenged in the Court of Appeals. The defendants, 14 in custody and seven out of Bahrain, were charged with establishing and managing terror groups to topple the state royal regime and change its constitution; intelligence with an overseas terrorist organisation to commit hostile acts against Bahrain; attempting to forcefully and change Bahrain's constitution and toppling its political regime; inciting for the toppling of the political regime; collecting funds and paying terror groups, with knowledge of their terrorist activities; possessing documents and publications inciting the overthrow of the political regime; insulting the army; public incitement of hatred and contempt of the regime; disseminating false information, rumours and malicious propaganda that would disrupt public order and harm public interest; inciting non-compliance with laws and promoting a matter that is considered a crime; and taking part in rallies without notifying the competent authorities. The first court session of the group was held on May 8, but was postponed to May 12 to allow the families of three defendants to hire lawyers. Under Bahrain's laws, no trial can be conducted, even in special courts, without the defendant being represented by a lawyer, with the court obliged to name one if required.