Bahrain Releases Detained Doctors on Bail

Posted September 8th, 2011 at 11:55 am (UTC-5)
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Bahrain says it has released on bail doctors and medics detained for their role in pro-democracy protests earlier this year.

Bahrain's Information Affairs Authority said Thursday their trial will resume on September 29. Opposition activists had reported several of the detained doctors had led a hunger strike.

Bahrain detained 48 doctors and nurses who treated demonstrators wounded in the government's month-long crackdown. The government charged 28 medical workers with misdemeanors and 20 others with felonies. Charges include inciting the overthrow of the government and provoking hatred.

Bahrain's Shi'ite majority-led mass protests began in February and ended in March after government troops and allied military units from neighboring Gulf states clamped down on demonstrators. At least 30 people were killed during the unrest and crackdown.

Some protesters called on Bahrain's ruling al-Khalifa family to grant Shi'ites a greater role in a constitutional monarchy, while others called for the ouster of the Sunni dynasty.