——————————————————————————–
Tight security for suspected rioters\’ case
By NOOR TOORANI
Published: 6th October 2008
BAHRAIN\’s courts were once again under lockdown yesterday as 11 men convicted of rioting, torching a police car and stealing police weapons launched an appeal.
Riot police surrounded the Justice Ministry complex in Diplomatic Area, and the men\’s relatives had to be escorted out of the courtroom at the end of the hearing.
——————————————————————————–
Tight security for suspected rioters\’ case
By NOOR TOORANI
Published: 6th October 2008
BAHRAIN\’s courts were once again under lockdown yesterday as 11 men convicted of rioting, torching a police car and stealing police weapons launched an appeal.
Riot police surrounded the Justice Ministry complex in Diplomatic Area, and the men\’s relatives had to be escorted out of the courtroom at the end of the hearing.
Their case appeared for the first time in the High Criminal Appeal Court, which adjourned it until October 19 to summon witnesses for cross-examination.
The men\’s lawyers urged the court to overturn their convictions, which were originally handed down by the High Criminal Court in July.
They were among 15 men charged with rioting during the Eid and National Day holidays last December.
However, four of their co-defendants were acquitted of charges against them.
One of those found guilty was jailed for seven years and fined BD9,985 for causing unrest, violence against police and hurling a Molotov cocktail inside a police car.
Another four were jailed for five years for causing unrest, violence against police, torching a police car and stealing guns and ammunition.
Six were jailed for one year each for obtaining and possessing a gun and causing unrest.
Defence lawyers previously claimed that all 15 defendants were arrested as a result of a misunderstanding by police.
They claimed they were attending a peaceful gathering to mourn the death of Ali Jassim Makki, who died during a protest in Jidhafs a few days earlier.
The lawyers claimed it was a religious gathering, but those present started fighting back when police tried to break it up.
——————————————————————————–
© Gulf Daily News
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/story.asp?Article=230774&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=31200