Riots in Bahrain as rights activists jailed for life after protests

Prominent Shiite political leader Hassan Mushaima, Shiite activist Abduljalil Al Singace and six others were sentenced yesterday.

Pro-reform figure Ibrahim Sharif received five years and other sentences ranged from two to 15 years.

A total of 21 suspects were on trial – 14 in custody and the rest in absentia.

As the verdicts were issued, defendents and their relatives shouted protests and were removed from court by police.

As news of the sentences spread, Shiite crowds yesterday blocked roads and called for protest marches.

Witnesses claimed Bahrain security forces fired tear gas at protesters who were trying to reach a central square in the capital Manama, which was once the hub of mass demonstrations demanding greater rights in the Gulf kingdom.

It was the first significant effort by protesters in months to return to the streets.

The sentences also could threaten efforts by Bahrain’s Sunni leaders to open talks next week with Shiite groups. Shiites comprise about 70 per cent of Bahrain’s population but claim they face systematic discrimination such as being barred from top government and political posts.

The protests – inspired by the wider Arab uprisings – have claimed at least 31 lives and put Western officials in the difficult position of both denouncing the violence but standing by the rulers in a key military ally.

The Shiite activists were charged with trying to overthrow Bahrain’s 200-year-old monarchy and of having links to “a terrorist organisation abroad.”

Bahrain’s rulers fears that any gains by Bahrain’s Shiites could open new footholds for influence by Iran, a predominantly Shiite country.

Bahrain also accuses Iranian-backed Hezbollah of having a role in the protests.

Shiite leaders in Bahrain repeatedly deny any ties to Iran and accuse leaders of using the fears of Iranian string-pulling to wage crackdowns that have included hundreds of arrests and purges from jobs and universities.

Next week, a trial is scheduled to resume for more than 30 doctors and nurses accused of supporting the protests. Some of the medical personnel claim they were abused while in custody.