A defense attorney says Bahrain’s highest court has upheld jail sentences against 20 opposition figures convicted of plotting to overthrow the Western-allied government, including eight prominent activists facing life in prison.
Decision is almost certain to bring strong criticism from rights groups and touch off more street protests in the violence-wracked Gulf kingdom. Bahrain’s majority Shias are pressing for a greater political voice in the Sunni-ruled nation, which is home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet.
The lawyer, Jalil al-Aradi, says the court ruling likely closes all appeal options.
Among the eight sentenced to life is rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who staged a 110-day hunger strike last year in protest. The other 12 have sentences ranging from five to 15 years, with seven convicted in absentia.
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