Special Reports
\nBahrain transfers cases to civilian courts
\nPublished: June 27, 2011 at 1:25 PM<\/p>\n
MANAMA, Bahrain, June 27 (UPI) — A decision by Bahrain to refer cases tied to a Shiite uprising to the civilian courts is a sign of a recognition of international rights, an official said.<\/p>\n
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the prison sentences handed down last week to 21 opposition figures in Bahrain. He called on Manama to “allow all defendants” to receive a fair trial and “do everything possible” to create a climate for concrete national dialogue.<\/p>\n
Bahrain’s Minister of Social Development and Acting Health Minister Fatima al-Beloushi told Gulf Daily News that life was returning to normal and therefore the civilian courts could handle any cases yet to be tried before tribunals.<\/p>\n
“Such a step is a strong indication of Bahrain’s keenness on applying the highest rights and legal standards,” she added.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the official Bahrain News Agency reported Monday that one unnamed defendant pleaded not guilty though military prosecutors found there was enough evidence from his confessions to indict him. A second trial involving 28 figures accused of spreading “malicious information” was adjourned while the defense reviewed case documents, BNA added.
\n…more<\/a><\/p>\n