Bahrain appeal court upholds activists' convictions

Source: BBC News

An appeals court in Bahrain has upheld the convictions of 20 activists and opposition figures for allegedly plotting to overthrow the state.

The verdicts, originally issued by a military court following the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations last year, include eight life sentences.

Among those convicted was Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who went on a 110-day hunger strike in protest at his detention.

The defendants, seven of whom were tried in absentia, plan to appeal.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19474026