Bahrain court upholds jailing of nine medics
Bahrain court upholds jailing of nine
medics
Gulf state's highest
court endorses sentences for medical personnel convicted for taking part in
anti-government protests
Bahrain anti-government protests calling for greater political voice
for the Gulf state's Shia majority erupted in February 2011. Photograph: John
Moore/Getty Images
Bahrain's highest court
has upheld prison sentences for nine medical personnel convicted for their role
in anti-government protests last year in the Gulf kingdom.The Information
Affairs Authority says the decision by the court of cassation closes the cases,
which have brought widespread criticism from rights groups and medical
societies.The medics' sentences span from five years to one month on charges
that include taking part in illegal gatherings after the uprising began in
February 2011. Two other medics were sentenced to 15 years in absentia. Authorities
accused some staff at the state-run Salmaniya medical complex of siding with
protesters from Bahrain's Shia majority, which is seeking a greater political
voice in the Sunni-ruled state.Some opposition leaders have been sentenced to
life in prison.
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