Court orders medical checks on suspects
By MOHAMMED ASLAM
TWO Bahrainis arrested in connection with an alleged militant training camp yesterday claimed they were beaten in police custody.
The allegation was made as they appeared in the Lower Criminal Court, charged with illegal gathering and rioting as well as intention to commit arson and sabotage.
Lawyer Ali Ayoubi, who is representing the two defendants, demanded an immediate medical examination, which he said would support their assault claims.
The court ordered an examination and a medical report to be submitted. Both defendants, aged 21 and 23, have been held in custody since the discovery of the alleged training camp in Bani Jamra last month.
Court orders medical checks on suspects
By MOHAMMED ASLAM
TWO Bahrainis arrested in connection with an alleged militant training camp yesterday claimed they were beaten in police custody.
The allegation was made as they appeared in the Lower Criminal Court, charged with illegal gathering and rioting as well as intention to commit arson and sabotage.
Lawyer Ali Ayoubi, who is representing the two defendants, demanded an immediate medical examination, which he said would support their assault claims.
The court ordered an examination and a medical report to be submitted. Both defendants, aged 21 and 23, have been held in custody since the discovery of the alleged training camp in Bani Jamra last month.
Mr Al Ayoubi, who has been appointed by the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights on behalf of the men, also asked for permission to study the case file and obtain copies of documents to prepare his defence.
A third Bahraini, aged 25, from Hamad Town, appeared separately yesterday on charges of illegal gathering and rioting.
Judge Ahmed Abdulqadir adjourned both cases until April 16 to allow the defence time to prepare their cases and for the medical examination.
The first two were arrested in connection with the alleged camp, which the Interior Ministry claimed was being used to train youngsters to riot against police, throw stones, hurl Molotov cocktails, and damage private and public property.
The ministry said it came to light after police detained a masked youngster carrying a Molotov cocktail on Janabiya Avenue, at the entrance to Bani Jamra village. He led police to a second suspect and both allegedly confessed to taking part in riots, sabotage and arson, said Northern Governorate Police Director Colonel Adel Al Fadhel on February 19. He said they also led police to the farm.