LONDON, June 23 (UPI) -- The sentencing of 21 civilian members of the Bahraini opposition before a military tribunal is "deeply worrying," a British foreign minister said.
Eight activists and opposition leaders in Bahrain were sentenced to life in prison after they were convicted of plotting to overthrow the government.
Bahrain's National Safety court also sentenced 13 others to prison terms -- ranging from two years to 15 years -- in connection with attempts to oust the country's Sunni royal family.
British Middle East and North African Minister Alistair Burt said in a statement said he was extremely concerned by the nature of their sentencing.
"It is deeply worrying that civilians are being tried before tribunals chaired by a military judge, with reports of abuse in detention, lack of access to legal counsel and coerced confessions," he said in a statement.
Bahrain has brushed off allegations of torture.
Washington has faced criticism for its perceived moderate stance on Bahrain, host to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.
Mark Toner, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, told reporters during his regular press briefing that Washington was calling for dialogue in Manama. The White House has noted that dialogue isn't possible while members of the opposition are in jail.
Washington, he said, was "concerned about the severity" of the sentences handed down against the opposition leaders.
