Eight jailed for illegal gathering

Manama : The Lower Criminal Court has sentenced eight defendants to six months in prison for participating in an illegal gathering in 2013.

They, however, were granted BD100 bail, pending the outcome of their appeal. Twelve other accused were also put on trial in connection with this case, but were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

The defendants are being tried for taking part in an illegal demonstration on January 25 three years ago in Manama.

The demonstrators reportedly chanted anti-government slogans during the event. They were dispersed by police officers, and according to court files, 17 people were arrested later.