UN welcomes Bahrain’s move ‘away from military justice’ in activist cases
\nAssociated Press – 1 May, 2012<\/p>\n
GENEVA – The U.N. human rights office is welcoming Bahrain’s move to re-examine cases against activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja and 20 others convicted last year by a military-led tribunal.<\/p>\n
A spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights says Bahraini authorities have now “recognized the importance of moving away from military justice for civilians.”<\/p>\n
Rupert Colville told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday there is no reason for al-Khawaja to be held “incommunicado” \u2014 and the jailed Bahraini hunger striker should have immediate access to family, a doctor, a lawyer and the Danish ambassador.<\/p>\n
Denmark wants custody of al-Khawaja, who holds Danish citizenship and began a hunger strike Feb. 8.<\/p>\n
Colville says al-Khawaja should be transferred to a civilian hospital. …source<\/a><\/p>\n