Manama: A civilian court yesterday began the retrial for 20 Bahraini medical personnel whose previous conviction on protest-related charges brought outcry from international rights groups and UN officials.
Officials in Bahrain ordered a new trial earlier this month after sharp international backlash to the verdicts by a special security court, which found the doctors and nurses guilty of backing anti-government protests and attempting to overthrow the ruling monarchy.
Their sentences ranged from five to 15 years.
The medical professionals are among hundreds of people arrested after Bahrain's Shiites began protests in February seeking greater rights.
At least 35 people have been killed in unrest in the strategic island nation, which is home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet.
Charges dropped
Prosecutors dropped several lower-level charges in the first civilian court hearing, but the most serious accusations remain. The next session was scheduled for November 28.
One of the defence lawyers, Jalila Al Syed, said it remains unclear whether the civilian proceedings will allow new witnesses and evidence, and whether the previous convictions have been formally wiped off from the books.
The doctors and nurses remain free, but are banned from leaving the country.
They worked at the state-run Salmaniya Medical Centre close to the capital's Pearl Square, which became the epicentre of Bahrain's protests.
