The Bahraini judiciary has handed lengthily sentences that sum up to more than 100 years to 12 Bahraini youths. Two have been given 15 year sentences, five were handed 10 year sentences, four got 5 years and one got 3 years. The youth are all charged with cases related to the political crisis that has started about 3 years ago.
Al Wefaq National Islamic Society said the sentences are vengeful and oppressive and used as a punishment against dissidents. “The judiciary’s series of harsh sentences will only further complicate the situation and deepen the crisis”, Al Wefaq stated, “It is time the international community realizes that the Bahraini regime is not willing to abandon its repressive policy. The ongoing arrests, killings, terrorism, and tightening on freedom of expression all reveal the true image of the regime. The international community is called up on to take a practical stance instead of just expressing concern”.
The lengthily sentences come in conjunction with acquittals of police officers and troops who killed protesters in the brutal crackdown on the peaceful protests in 14 February 2011.
Many prisoners continue to complain of torture and assault during arrest and interrogation to coerce them into confessing to fake accusations.
Bahrain was condemned by 47 states in the UN Human Rights Council for its appalling human rights situation.
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