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In one case, the tribunal convicted and sentenced a defendant, despite no incriminating evidence against him. Moreover, trials were mostly closed to the public.
Overall, National Safety Courts "served primarily as a vehicle to convict defendants of alleged crimes stemming from the exercise of fundamental rights of freedom of expression, association, and assembly, in violation of international and Bahraini law."
In fact, hundreds were convicted of "political crimes" related to exercising their free expression rights.
HRW examined two high-profile collective cases, involving 21 activists and 20 medical personnel. National Democratic Action Society leader Ibrahim Sharif was involved.
He was sentenced to five years for encouraging assemblies, demonstrations, and sit-ins, "discuss(ing) the demand for a republic," asserting the existence of "sectarian and tribal discrimination in the country," and claiming Bahrain's government "lost its legitimacy."
Al Haq leader Hassan Mushaima was also tried. He was accused of advocating "marches, demonstrations and civil disobedience" supporting the "establishment of a democratic republic." He got a life sentence.
Human rights advocate/political opposition leader Abdulhadi al-Khawaja was also convicted. He also received a life sentence for "advocat[ing] the overthrow of the regime, a willingness to sacrifice, disobedience, a general strike, and marches." Prosecutors also charged him with "insult(ing) the army" and "impugn(ing) the integrity of the judiciary."
In fact, all activists lawfully exercised their speech, assembly, and association rights nonviolently. International and Bahraini law protects them. However, hanging judges ruled emergency decree provisions took precedence.
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