Bahrain Mirror: The European Union slammed the decision made by the Bahraini Court of Appeals to increase the prison sentence against Sheikh Ali Salman, Secretary-General of Al-Wefaq political society, from 4 to 9 years, which had convicted him of "seeking to overthrow by force the monarchy and change the political system".

The European Union said in a statement on Tuesday (May 31, 2016) that the verdict issued against Salman "risks undermining chances of lasting and inclusive national reconciliation in Bahrain."

"It is our hope that the sentence can be reconsidered upon appeal by the defendant, in a fair and transparent manner, in full respect of Bahrain's international obligations," it added.

"The EU will continue to support Bahrain in promoting further reforms aimed at strengthening human rights and the rule of law in a context free of violence and with freedom of expression," the European Union concluded its statement.

Arabic Version