AhlulBayt News Agency

source : AP
Wednesday

29 June 2011

7:30:00 PM
250542

Bahrain adjourns appeals for opposition

Bahrain's special security tribunal handling the appeals of 21 opposition figures convicted of “plotting to topple the regime” has adjourned the hearing until September.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The appeals hearing is now set for September 11.

Last week, eight opposition leaders were sentenced to life in prison for "plotting to overthrow the ruling system."

The Bahraini government also sentenced 13 other political activists for up to 15 years in prison on similar charges.

Bahrain announced that it will launch reconciliation talks with the opposition on Saturday, although opposition leaders have rejected to join the talks.

Meanwhile, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa pledged on Wednesday to investigate allegations of human rights violations during anti-government protests.

The monarch also said the government will not interfere in the work of a commission that will investigate the “unfortunate events.”

Washington, which has its Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain, welcomed the king's move.

However, the United States has taken little action against Bahrain's monarchy for its harsh crackdown on peaceful protesters.

Anti-regime protesters have been holding peaceful demonstrations across Bahrain since mid-February, calling for an end to the Al Khalifa dynasty's rule.

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