Life Sentenced Saaed al-Shahabi: US, UK, “Israel” Support al- Khalifa

Murdering, killing, torturing, and jailing are means through which al-Khalifas dynasty has been using to transform the shiny island of pearls into a dark island of fear. However, the Bahraini ray of lights refuse to surrender.

False trials

As the Bahraini military court in Manama sentenced a group of 21 prominent political activists who have advocated political reform, eight received life sentences and the rest received jail sentences up to 15 years. Seven people were tried in absentia.

Those sentenced to life imprisonment include prominent opposition activists such as Hassan Mshaima, Abdel Wahab Hussein, Dr. Abdel-Jalil al-Singace and Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja.

"Peaceful, peaceful, peaceful. Our people want freedom," shouted leader of the Waad party Ibrahim Sharif, who was sentenced to five years in jail. "We will continue to fight for our rights and our people," human rights activists Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja shouted as he was sentenced to life in prison.
The activists were given very little access to lawyers, and at least two of them, Ibrahim Sherif and Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja, were reportedly tortured.
Abdul hadi al-Khawaja's daughter, Zaineb al-Khawaja, attended the trial and was forcibly removed from the court when she shouted "Allahu Akbar" after the sentence was read out. She was arrested and held in a police station for a few hours before being released.

al-Shahabi: accused, charged, and sentenced in Absentia

The Secretary General of "Ahrar al- Bahrain" Mr. Saeed al-Shahabi, who received the news of his life sentence in London, described the "al- Khalifa's play "these trials are void and false. The judge belongs to the Khalifas. How could he be the oppressor opponent and the fair judge? These are meaningless un fair military courts that have no effect on us."

In an interview with moqawama.org, al-Shahabi commented on being sentenced to life imprisonment by saying: "Similar to every live heart to every child, free woman and man in our country, I got no letter to be informed with the charges. I was accused, charged, and sentenced in absentia. Similar to all free citizens I was falsely accused by acting against the ruling family and coordinating with foreign organizations to topple the regime. Throughout their forty ruling years, al- Khalifa has continuously charged us and these oppressors do not frighten us. "

Amnesty International: Sentences are Political, Harsh

Mean while, Amnesty International expressed its belief that some of the defendants may "be prisoners of conscience, detained solely for peacefully expressing their political beliefs and organizing pro-reform rallies early this year. Some of the defendants were reportedly tortured or ill-treated."
"These sentences are extremely harsh, and they appear to be politically motivated, since we have not seen any evidence that the activists used or advocated violence," said Malcolm Smart, Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Program.
"Civilians should not have been tried in a military court, and these trials have been patently unfair. In particular, the court failed to adequately investigate allegations that some of the defendants were tortured and made to sign false confessions which seem to have been used as evidence against them." He added.

Meaningless Dialogue

As the Manama regime continues to try civilians in its so-called special courts, Bahrain's King Hamad ibn Issa Al Khalifa has promised a "national dialogue" on requests for reform, due to begin next month. However, many questions are raised on the form and results of such a dialogue.
"I want to ask a dialogue needs two partners who is al - Khlaifas' partner in the so -called national dialogue. Hamad aims at establishing a play to please the international community bringing people against each other without making any contact with them." al-Shahabi emphasized to our web site.

"It is hard to see how there can be any meaningful political dialogue in Bahrain while the government remains so intent on locking up its critics, as these sentences have further underlined today. Bahrain's authorities must end these unfair military trials and release all prisoners of conscience immediately and unconditionally" said Malcolm Smart.

Crimes Backed By US, UK, "Israel" and Saudis

"Backed by US, UK, and "Israel" as well with the Saudi occupation forces; the ruling dynasty aim at spreading fears, to black out media, and to turn the direction of the political move." al-Shahabi confirmed calling the Bahraini people to stick to their religion and Quran and not to retreat so that they achieve victory or martyrdom.

In Washington, T. Kumar, International Advocacy Director for Amnesty International USA, criticized the Obama administration for ignoring the worsening human rights situation in Bahrain. He said: "While the United States is championing human rights in other countries of the region, it has taken a half hearted approach to human rights concerns in Bahrain. This failed policy has contributed to Bahrain's worsening human rights situation."

At least 500 people have been detained in Bahrain since pro-reform protests began in February and four have died in suspicious circumstances in detention. Almost 2,000 people have been dismissed or suspended from work.