23 Bahrainis accused of plot

Over 20 Shia opposition leaders have been accused of plotting to topple the Bahraini monarchy government following their last month’s detention.

Prosecutors said on Saturday that they would bring charges against the 23 men, two of whom are abroad and not under arrest, Reuters reported.

About 200 anti-government protesters have been detained in Bahrain since the chain of arrests began in the country in August.

Bahraini public prosecution official Abdulrahman al-Sayed said the detainees are suspected of “the planning and instigation of violence… and seeking to overthrow the regime by force.”

The opposition refuses to recognize the 2002 constitution and has called for a boycott of the October 23 parliamentary elections.

The Shia majority of the country has long complained of being discriminated against in obtaining jobs and services by the Bahraini Sunni-dominated government.

Meanwhile, human rights groups have voiced concern about the situation, urging Bahrain to investigate allegations by some opposition activists that they have been tortured while in detention.