MANAMA: The Criminal High Court in Bahrain dropped Thursday charges of “plotting to overthrow the system of government” against 25 detainees while pursuing accusations of “establishing a terrorist organization in order to sow hatred in society”, punishable under Bahraini law with life imprisonment. The trial, which is being held publicly in accordance with the law, was adjourned until next month. Bahrain uncovered on Sept. 4 this year what it described as “a secret organization network” that had “terrorist plans targeting national security and the country's stability and seeking to fuel perpetual violence”. The accused belong to a Shiite organization unlicensed by the government and known for its hostility toward the authorities. The government launched a broad security crackdown in August, charging 25 men with trying to overthrow the political system partly by instigating nightly protests. The network included Sa'eed Al-Shihabi and Ja'far Al-Hassabi – both from the Bahrain Freedom Movement – as well as Abdul Jaleel Abdullah Al-Sankees from the Haq Movement, and Haq leader Hassan Ali Hassan Mashaimaa. The latter two have been residing outside Bahrain. The defendants who appeared in the court rejected the charges, while the other two accused are being tried in absentia as they are abroad. “We're not guilty,” they said in turn. The court also agreed to transfer the detainees from a state security prison to a regular detention facility, and to allow them to be visited by their families and lawyers. The level of concern by authorities was evident in the blanket security around the court in Bahrain's capital, Manama, including anti-riot police and helicopter surveillance. Only one family member for each suspect was allowed in the court gallery alongside observers that included US and European envoys, Amnesty International and other rights groups. The proceedings were covered by Bahrain's state television, but reporting restrictions were placed on other local journalists. On Oct. 21, Bahrain said Interpol had circulated warrants for the arrest of two Shiite opposition leaders who have been living in London: Bahrain Freedom Islamic Movement Secretary General Said Al-Shihabi and Haq leader Hussein Mashaimaa.
