Prominent Bahraini opposition leader released from prison

The Bahraini government has released a Sunni opposition leader who had been imprisoned for four years for taking part in Shiite-backed anti-government protests, the Waed secular group – his party, announced on its Twitter account. Ibrahim Sharif became a prominent face in the 2011 uprising that demanded a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister. He was later charged along with 20 other activists for allegedly plotting to overthrow the Sunni rulers of Bahrain – a Shiite-majority country. He received a five year sentence, which was one of the lesser sentences. Eight others received life. News of the release comes four days after another opposition leader – the Shiite Ali Salman – received a four-year sentence for inciting disobedience. Salman’s group was also a key force in the 2011 uprising. Some 90 people have died in clashes with security forces since then, according to rights groups. Hundreds more have been put on trial.