death sentences in mock trials and use of torture

The accusation is found in a 61-page report by experts from Human Rights Watch and the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy. The defendants were denied access to evidence, the assistance of counsel, and cross-examination from “secret” sources. In a decade, the use of the death penalty increased by 600%.

Manama () – In recent years, the courts of Bahrain have carried out “sham and shameful trials” using torture and coercion, resulting in harsh sentences, including the death penalty for eight men, and violating their human rights. The accusation is contained in a 61-page report entitled “The court is satisfied with the confession: death sentences in Bahrain are the result of torture and mock trials” and was prepared by two prominent associations, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy.The Gulf country is preparing to receive Pope Francis, who will attend a congress on interreligious dialogue.

In the study published yesterday, the two NGOs report on the case of several men who were found guilty on the basis of confessions obtained through physical and psychological violence. Michael Page, deputy director of HRW for the Middle East, points out that “the numerous human rights violations on which these death sentences are based do not reflect a judicial system, but a model of injustice.” In some cases, defendants were denied access to evidence used during courtroom debates, and in one case, the individual was denied the ability to cross-examine a “secret” source critical to sentencing. Furthermore, none of them were able to rely on the advice of a lawyer during the interrogations.

Joshua Colangelo-Bryan, an adviser to HRW and one of the authors of the report, defines as “particularly disconcerting” the fact that “people are sentenced to death in the face of allegations of torture and grossly unfair trials.” That is why he calls on the Manama authorities to “immediately commute all death sentences and … restore the de facto moratorium on executions.” Last year activist associations had spoken of a “dramatic increase” in death sentences in Bahrain since the Arab Spring riots in 2011, with an increase of 600% and 51 people executed.

In the previous 10 years, a total of 7 people had been executed. Some 88% of death sentences imposed since 2011 are related to “terrorism” charges – often used as a weapon against the opposition – and 100% of those sentenced have been victims of torture. “The officials of Beréin – concludes Page – affirm that the government respects human rights, but case after case shows that the courts are based on confessions extracted by force.”

Bahrain is a Gulf monarchy ruled by a Sunni dynasty, in a country where the majority of the population (between 60 and 70%) is Shia and has long called for constitutional changes and social and economic rights. In 2011, during the Arab spring, there were revolts that the king of Bahrain – an ally of Washington and supported by Riyadh – repressed with the support of armed troops from Saudi Arabia.