On February 20, the trial of Sheikh Abdul-Amir al-Jamri,...

On February 20, the trial of Sheikh Abdul-Amir al-Jamri, Bahrain's leading Shiite Muslim opposition activist began in the island's State Security Court and was adjourned to allow Jamri's wife, who was also present with their three sons, to form a group of five lawyers to mount a defense. Lawyer Abdul-Shahid Khalaf said his client Sheikh Abdul-Amir al-Jamri, who has been detained without charge for three years, was accused of spying for a foreign country, running an illegal organization, fanning unrest, and circulating false news. If found guilty, he could face a maximum penalty of execution. Seven other opposition activists detained along with Jamri in January 1996 are still in jail. There have been increasing international calls for Jamri's release and many human rights organizations have asked the Bahraini authorities for permission to send observers to attend the trial.