Bahrain: Jailed activists begin hunger strike

January 31st, 2012

Fourteen imprisoned activists have begun a one-week hunger strike in Bahrain. The activists, who have been imprisoned since March 2011, are protesting the continuous crackdown on demonstrations in Bahrain. The health of several of the activists is at risk –human rights defender AbdulJaleel AlSingace who suffers from poliomyelitis, a nerve disease, previously suffered a heart attack whilst on hunger strike. Many prisoners, including those held in Jaw and the central region prisons, have announced plans to join this hunger strike.

Bahrain: Eight activists and opposition leaders jailed for life

June 22nd, 2011

Eight Shia activists and opposition leaders have been sentenced to life imprisonment in Bahrain. They have been found guilty of  plotting a coup in the Sunni-ruled kingdom during protests in March this year. Protests in response to the setences are expected, reports Al Jazeera English. Those convicted include Shia political leader Hassan Mushaima and the activists Abdulhady al-Khawaja and Abduljalil Al Singace. Thirteen other campaigners received lesser sentences between two and 15 years, reports the Guardian. Among these was Ibrahim Sharif, Sunni leader of the secular leftist group Waad, who was sentenced to five years.