European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton on Wednesday expressed concerns over a Bahraini appeals court confirming the prison sentences given to 20 Opposition activists by a military court for their roles in last year's anti-government protests.
The verdicts upheld by the appeals court on Tuesday include life sentences awarded to eight Opposition figures on charges of plotting to overthrow the State by inciting the unrest. Seven of the 20 convicted were tried in absentia by the military court. Defense lawyers have since said that they intend to appeal the civil court ruling on behalf of their clients.
Those sentenced to life in prison included rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who went on a 110-day hunger-strike to protest his detention. The other prominent figure sentenced to life was Opposition leader Hassan Mushaimaa, who had called for changing the rule in Bahrain from monarchy to democracy.
In a statement, Ashton hoped that "the appeal before the Cassation Court will be fair, transparent and conducted in the full respect of international obligations Bahrain has subscribed to," and said that the EU "will continue to monitor the process and the overall situation in the country very closely."
The EU top diplomat urged "all parts of Bahraini society to contribute to dialogue and national reconciliation in a peaceful and constructive manner, without further delays."
Bahrain continues to witness frequent anti-government protests, and allegations of violent crackdowns on Opposition activists are heard almost every day despite promises of reforms made by the country's Sunni monarchy. It is estimated that at least 60 people have been killed since pro-democracy protests broke out in the tiny Gulf kingdom in February 2011.
The protests are being staged by the Opposition and Bahrain's Shia majority, who has long been complaining about discrimination in housing and government jobs. They are demanding greater political rights and want the monarchy to hand over most of its powers to the elected Parliament.
Political turmoil in Bahrain has been of particular concern to the United States since the strategically located island nation is home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. The U.S. also fears that the kingdom with its Shia-majority population could come under Iranian influence.
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December 19, 2025 15:10 ET U.S. inflation data and interest rate decisions by major central banks were the highlights of this busy week for economics news flow. Employment data and survey results on the housing markets also gained attention in the U.S. In Europe, the European Central Bank and Bank of England announced their policy decisions and macroeconomic projections.