TV ‘confessions’ against the law
By BASMA MOHAMMED
Published: 7th January 2009
LAWYERS for the 14 Bahrainis arrested over the alleged National Day terror plot are to complain to judicial authorities over a television broadcast purportedly showing them confessing. The broadcast and release to the print media of the men’s alleged confessions are against the law, said Mohammed Ahmed, one of the four-man defence team for the 14 accused.
He said he would be filing a complaint with the Supreme Judicial Council.
TV ‘confessions’ against the law
By BASMA MOHAMMED
Published: 7th January 2009
LAWYERS for the 14 Bahrainis arrested over the alleged National Day terror plot are to complain to judicial authorities over a television broadcast purportedly showing them confessing. The broadcast and release to the print media of the men’s alleged confessions are against the law, said Mohammed Ahmed, one of the four-man defence team for the 14 accused.
He said he would be filing a complaint with the Supreme Judicial Council.
Authorities said at the time that the alleged confessions were made without pressure and were broadcast and published in public interest.
Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa later briefed MPs and Shura Council members on the case and said he was aware of the criticism, which he was willing to debate in public.
Mr Ahmed said Bahrain’s laws stipulated that it was illegal to publish anything that may affect legal proceedings, or to identify suspects before they have gone to trial.
“The penal law is very clear, my reference is article number 246 from the law that states punishment for any publication that can affect a trial,” said Mr Ahmed.
He said the law stipulated that violators could face jail and/or a fine.
Human rights activists have also condemned the broadcast and publication of the alleged confessions, saying they breached international law.
The 14 were arrested after police uncovered an alleged plot to attack targets including clubs, Manama nightspots, Exhibition Road (Avenue) and Diplomatic Area, on December 17, during the National Day holiday.
The plot was allegedly masterminded by two Bahrainis living in the UK and the 14 allegedly underwent training in Syria.
Human rights activist Nabeel Rajab said that authorities had seriously violated the defendant’s right of innocence until proven guilty.
“The Public Prosecution has not only violated international court measures but also violated Bahraini law that prohibits publishing anything about a case that is undergoing investigation,” said Mr Rajab.
He said the television confessions also included film clips of rioting and protests not related to the case.
Human Rights Society general secretary Dr Abdulla Al Derazi backed Mr Rajab, saying the confessions had no evidential value, since they had been broadcast and published before the trial.
He said he supported the government in trying to guarantee people’s security, but that the handling of this case violated human rights. basma@gdn.com.bh
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