Bahrain court sentences 31 protesters to 15 years prison each over police attack
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A defense lawyer in Bahrain says a court has sentenced 31 protesters to 15 years in prison each for roles in firebomb attacks against security forces during an anti-government demonstration last year.
The defendants, aged 16 to 34, all come from Sitra island, a hotbed of protests since early 2011 when Bahrain's majority Shiites began an uprising seeking a greater political voice in the Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom. The court decision Sunday could touch off more unrest.
Defense layer Mohamed al-Tajir said the charges stemmed from clashes last year when protesters pelted riot police and their vehicles with homeland firebombs. The charges included attempted murder.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Hundreds of protesters and activists have been convicted in connection with the uprising in the strategic kingdom, which is home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.