Bahrain's Human Rights Affairs Ministry has strongly condemned statements on court terror verdicts. It has rejected "any intervention by any state" in a comprehensive statement.

It was issued in response to reactions by non-governmental organisations on the verdicts passed by a court on Monday against defendants accused of conspiring to overthrow the regime by force, collaborating with external parties, and violating the constitution of Bahrain.

The statement highlights the following:

l The ministry respects the judicial process, the sentences handed over and the independence of the judiciary.

l It rejects any intervention by any state or organisation in the sentences handed down by an independent judiciary following a fair trial.

l Statements against the verdict are rejected as all the accused appeared before a civilian court and received all legal guarantees including lawyers and witnesses.

l The defendants were accorded the right to a fair trial, evident by the presence of their lawyers throughout the judicial process, and the right to appeal. Publicising the court's verdict upheld transparency and accountability.

l The trial was held in a professional manner and observers, including NGOs and states were allowed to monitor it. The ministry helped some NGOs to attend the hearings.

l It is unfair to state that the sentences are outrageous due to political considerations. Professionalism should be maintained in such cases. Professionalism does not exist in many circles as they try to politicise issues at the expense of human rights.

l The defendants were tried in the High Criminal Court since May 8. Sixteen hearings were conducted until the verdicts were issued. Sentences were issued against 13 defendants in their presence. Seven other defendants are fugitives.

l The defendants can appeal to the Cassation Court in accordance with Bahrain's Code of Criminal Procedure. Their lawyers have the chance to challenge the sentences. This demonstrates that the judicial process in Bahrain is fair, independent and transparent.

l The defendants received full medical care during their time in jail. Families were allowed to visit them regularly. The ministry also ensured their well-being and protection of their rights. The defendants' request not to sit in the trial dock was granted.

Lawyers were granted full access to meet the defendants before and after the trials. The court even allowed the lawyers to hold group sessions with the defendants. Each defendant was given the opportunity to speak and defend himself.

The ministry rejected the accusations and hailed the professional manner in which the court proceedings were held.

*GCC secretary-general Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani yesterday said that court verdicts have to be respected by all, being issued by an independent judiciary.

"This is a principle that has to be respected and adhered to at all times and places," he said. He also expressed confidence in the independence of Bahraini judiciary which is guaranteed by the constitution and regulated by the laws of the kingdom.