The chief UN official for human rights urged Bahrain to release activists detained during anti-government protests and called for an independent investigation into allegations of torture. The comments of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, represent the most severe international criticism of repression in Bahrain, a U.S.
ally Sunni government has arrested hundreds of protesters from the Shi'ite majority. At least four people have died while in custody and human rights groups have criticized the death sentences last week for four men accused of killing a policeman during the protests in March, which began with demands for greater political freedoms.
"All political detainees should be released immediately and all detainees should have prompt access to legal advice," Pillay said in a statement. "My office also received reports of severe torture against human rights defenders are currently detained (...) There must be an independent investigation of such deaths in custody and allegations of torture," he said.
Shiite demonstrators have called for a constitutional monarchy and an end to sectarian discrimination. Just a few Shiite groups have called for the abolition of the monarchy. Bahraini Shiites say they are denied access to positions in public administration and point to the naturalization of foreign major Sunni countries, some of whom serve in the security forces, as a sign of sectarian government.
The kingdom, where the V-based U.S. Navy Fleet, said the demonstrations were a conspiracy orchestrated by Iran, a Shiite nation. Authorities declared in mid-March martial law and called for intervention by troops from other Gulf nations to quell the protests. 
ally Sunni government has arrested hundreds of protesters from the Shi'ite majority. At least four people have died while in custody and human rights groups have criticized the death sentences last week for four men accused of killing a policeman during the protests in March, which began with demands for greater political freedoms.
"All political detainees should be released immediately and all detainees should have prompt access to legal advice," Pillay said in a statement. "My office also received reports of severe torture against human rights defenders are currently detained (...) There must be an independent investigation of such deaths in custody and allegations of torture," he said.
Shiite demonstrators have called for a constitutional monarchy and an end to sectarian discrimination. Just a few Shiite groups have called for the abolition of the monarchy. Bahraini Shiites say they are denied access to positions in public administration and point to the naturalization of foreign major Sunni countries, some of whom serve in the security forces, as a sign of sectarian government.
The kingdom, where the V-based U.S. Navy Fleet, said the demonstrations were a conspiracy orchestrated by Iran, a Shiite nation. Authorities declared in mid-March martial law and called for intervention by troops from other Gulf nations to quell the protests.
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