King Hamad, “kicks can down the road”, avoids more negative press – Bahrain postpones trial of 61 athletes accused of protest links

Bahrain postpones trial of 61 athletes accused of protest links
By Associated Press, Updated: Tuesday, November 29, 4:41 AM

MANAMA, Bahrain — A Bahrain court has postponed the trial of 61 athletes and sports officials accused of links to anti-government protests.

Defense attorney Mohsen al-Alawi says the hearing was rescheduled for Jan. 4 because most of the defendants did not appear at Tuesday’s proceedings. They include handball, basketball and volleyball players along with referees and administrators for several sports.

The charges include illegal assembly and inciting hatred against Bahrain’s Sunni monarchy.

The defendants are among 150 Shiite sportsmen detained as part of crackdowns on protests by Bahrain’s Shiite majority seeking a greater political voice.

An independent report issued last week accused authorities of widespread abuses including torture. …source