Six Bahraini Shias sentenced to death, security measures boosted

(AhlulBayt News Agency) - A court in Bahrain has sentenced six anti-regime protesters to death and revoked their citizenship as the ruling Al Khalifah regime presses ahead with its heavy-handed clampdown on political dissidents and pro-democracy campaigners in the Persian Gulf kingdom.

Bahrain’s police boosted security measures amid protests against a court’s decision to sentence six Shia civilians to death, local media reported.

On Monday, the military tribunal for the first time sentenced to death six civilian Shias accused of an attempted murder of a security officer. The Shia opposition called the verdict a “politically motivated reprisal” adding that the defendants' confessions were obtained with a resort to tortures.

Police vehicles are patrolling Shia quarters in Bahrain’s cities and villages while local residents are burning tires and shouting officers to leave the area, the Al Oula media outlet reported. In some areas police used tear gas to disperse the protesters.

Meanwhile, Bahraini scholars and religious figures also warned against the consequences of the recent death sentences. Then noted that the verdict will set a dangerous precedent, which will only serve to stoke more tensions in the kingdom and provoke adverse reactions.

Thousands of anti-regime protesters have held demonstrations in Bahrain on an almost daily basis ever since a popular uprising began in the country in mid-February 2011.

They are demanding that the Al Khalifah dynasty relinquish power and allow a just system representing all Bahrainis to be established.

Manama has gone to great lengths to clamp down on any sign of dissent. On March 14, 2011, troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were deployed to assist Bahrain in its crackdown.

Scores of people have lost their lives and hundreds of others sustained injuries or got arrested as a result of the Al Khalifah regime’s crackdown.



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