AhlulBayt News Agency

source : AP
Thursday

23 June 2011

7:30:00 PM
249219

UN Concerned About Torture of Bahrain Activists

UN human rights office questions activist beatings and deaths resulting from torture by Bahraini government, warns of international investigation if Bahrain doesn't probe reported incidents

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) – The U.N. human rights office says it is concerned about reports that opposition activists in Bahrain were tortured in detention.

A spokeswoman for U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says some of the detainees were reportedly severely beaten after being sentenced and four people allegedly died as a result of torture.

Ravina Shamdasani says the U.N. rights chief has called on Bahrain to investigate the allegations.

Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva on Friday that if the government fails to institute a credible probe, the U.N. will urge an international investigation.

She also noted the global body's concerns that defendants are being denied due process before Bahrain's military-run Court of National Safety.

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