Doctor on hunger strike in Bahrain

MANAMA, Bahrain, June 21 (UPI) -- A doctor in Bahrain Thursday said he started a hunger strike in opposition to a ruling which found him guilty of aiding anti-government protesters in Bahrain.

The Yemen Telegram said Dr. Saeed al-Samaheeji denounced the court decision as unfair, arguing he had done his medical duty by treating injured demonstrators, as had his colleagues. Nine other physicians were given sentences ranging from one month to 15 years in prison.

Al-Samaheeji said he is considering appealing the court decision.

The convictions prompted international outrage. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Michael Posner said the United States was "disappointed by the [court] ruling."