Manama: New lawyers were appointed on Thursday for the 23 suspects being tried for forming and belonging to an alleged terror network plotting to undermine Bahrain's stability. However, their appointment was rejected by the suspects.
The move to nominate new lawyers came after the lawyers hired by the suspects walked out on December 9 during the fourth public hearing to protest against the court's refusal to suspend the trial.
Under Bahrain's laws, all defendants must have lawyers and the court has to appoint one or more in case suspects are not represented.
Article 20 of the constitution states that "an accused person is innocent until proved guilty in a legal trial in which he is assured of the necessary guarantees to exercise the right of defence at all stages of the investigation and trial in accordance with the law."
However, most of the new lawyers said that they would have problems handling the case after the suspects refused them.
Under Bahraini law, lawyers cannot reject their appointment to represent clients unless they had strong reasons.
A new trial will be held on January 6.
