Bahraini protesters' death sentences overturned

A civilian court in Bahrain has overturned death sentences for two protesters convicted of murdering two policemen during a wave of anti-government demonstrations last year.

Their sentences had been handed down by a special security court, set up under emergency law last year as Bahrain's Sunni rulers sought to silence a Shia-led campaign for greater civil and political rights. International rights groups had criticised Bahrain for trying protesters, opposition leaders and activists in the military-linked tribunal.

By moving cases to civilian courts, the government appears to be following at least some of the recommendations from a panel of international investigators who accused Bahrain of rights abuses, including denying protesters fair trials.

The courts are also hearing a retrial of doctors and other medical professionals who treated protesters injured in the crackdown.

AP