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Bahrain charges 21 rights activists

A security court in Bahrain has charged 21 human rights activists with attempted subversion, alleging they tried to overthrow the ruling monarchy.

On Sunday, the country’s military prosecutor accused the suspects, seven of them tried in absentia, of forming a terrorist organization in their attempt to overthrow the ruling monarchy, the Associated Press reported.

The defendants included the leaders of the Waed secular group, the Haq opposition organization, and Al Wafa Islamic Party. A follow-up trial would be held on Thursday.

Their lawyers have been instructed not to talk to the press, but a human rights activist quoted one of the legal representatives as saying the charges carry death sentences.

Anti-government protesters have been holding peaceful demonstrations across Bahrain since mid-February, calling for an end to the Al Khalifa dynasty’s over-40-year rule.

On March 14, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed police and military forces in the kingdom upon Manama’s request to help quell the nationwide protests.

According to local sources, scores of people, including human rights campaigners, have been killed — some under torture — and hundreds of others are held in custody.

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