DUBAI: A Bahraini appeals court yesterday confirmed five-year jail terms imposed on nine Shias, among them a photojournalist and an online activist, for calling for the overthrow of the monarchy, a judicial source said. 

Dozens of Bahraini Shias have been handed lengthy prison terms after being convicted of involvement in protests that have shaken the kingdom since February 2011.

The court upheld an April ruling sentencing photographer Hussain Hubail and activist Jassim Al Nuaimi, along with seven other Shia, to five years in prison, after convicting them of promoting the overthrow of the regime “through illegal means via media and social networks”. They were also convicted of taking part in, and calling for, protests last year.

AFP