France expresses concern over extension of jail term for Bahraini opposition leader 'Sheikh Ali Salman'

 The French Ministry of Foreign affairs website published a statement expressing France’s concern over the nine-year sentence handed down to opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman.

“France notes with concern the nine-year prison sentence handed down by an appeals court to Sheikh Ali Salman, Secretary-General of Al-Wefaq. It followed his trial closely.

We reaffirm our attachment to the freedom of opinion and expression, as well as to the right to a fair and equitable trial, principles that form the basis of all aspects of democratic politics”.