Terror trial continues in Manama

Security was tightened in Manama, Bahrain, for an appeal by 13 men jailed in an alleged Iranian-backed coup attempt, officials said Wednesday. The Gulf Daily News said all suspects, including opposition activist Abdul-Hadi al-Khawaja, who staged a 100-day hunger strike beginning in February to protest of his arrest, arrived in court to rebut the charges. Officials told the press the accused were jailed following accusations they planned with an Iranian terrorist organization linked to Hezbollah to overthrow the government last year. Foreign representatives -- French, British, U.S. and Danish -- attended the hearing. Khawaja and eight others face life in prison while the other four face two- to five-year terms.