'Tortured Bahraini activist dies'

Islam Times reports from Press TV: Witnesses say Jaber Ibrahim al-Alawiat was “severely tortured” by Bahraini regime forces while in detention.

The activist had been imprisoned for taking part in anti-government protests that have been brutally suppressed by the Saudi-backed security forces in Bahrain.

According to rights groups, including Amnesty International, at least 500 people have been detained in crackdowns since the country-wide protests began in mid-February.

On Monday, a Bahraini military court tried 48 doctors, nurses and paramedics that were accused of supporting anti-government protesters. They face a whole host of charges, including an attempt to overthrow the monarchy, possessing weapons and stealing medicine.

Rights groups have reportedly expressed concern about the military court proceedings, which have either been held behind closed doors or with only select media and family members allowed to observe.

The international aid agency of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has also raised alarms about the Bahraini regime's arbitrary and sweeping court action against the country's medical personnel.

Last March, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed police and military forces in the kingdom upon Manama's request to help crush the nationwide protests.

Scores of protesters have been killed and many others injured since the beginning of the crackdown.

However, the United States has refused to condemn the brutal crackdown on protesters despite international condemnation of Manama's gross violation of human rights.

Bahrain plays host to the huge naval base of the US 5th Fleet in the Persian Gulf.