A decision by a court in Bahrain earlier today to reject an appeal by 13 opposition activists - upholding prison sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment - is further proof of how the country’s justice system simply cannot be relied on, Amnesty International said this afternoon.

Amnesty International Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui said:

“This unjust decision will confirm the view of many that the judiciary is more concerned about toeing the government's line than upholding the rule of law and the rights of all Bahrainis.

“In order to maintain any credibility at all the Bahraini authorities must release these 13 people who have been imprisoned simply for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly.”