UN chief deeply concerned over Bahrain protesters’ sentencing
June 24th, 2011 - 4:52 am ICT by IANSUnited Nations, June 24 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced deep concern about the sentencing of Bahrainis who were involved in anti-government protests earlier this year, Xinhua reported Friday.
UN chief’s spokesman Martin Nesirky in a statement released here Thursday said: “The secretary-general notes with deep concern the harsh sentences, including life imprisonment, handed down in Bahrain” against 21 Bahrainis.”
The sentences were handed down Wednesday at a military court in Bahrain. Eight activists accused of plotting a coup against the state during protests earlier this year have been sentenced to life in prison.
Bahrain has endeavoured to hold a national dialogue, starting July 1. It will bring 250 representatives from political groups, unions, human rights societies, and civil society organisations together to discuss the state of the country.
Bahrain has experienced anti-government protests over the last several months.
“The secretary-general hopes that the Bahraini authorities will do everything possible to create an environment conducive for the start of a concrete national dialogue announced by His Majesty King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa, and believes that it should be genuine, inclusive and lead to tangible outcomes which address the legitimate aspirations of all Bahrainis,” said Nesirky.
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Tags: activists, al khalifa, aspirations, ban ki moon, harsh sentences, july 1, june 24, king hamad, life imprisonment, life in prison, majesty king, military court, national dialogue, political groups, protesters, protests, spokesman, tangible outcomes, un secretary general, xinhua