In Bahrain a military court has sentenced four men to die following the pro-democracy protests in the country.

They have been convicted of killing two policemen. A further three have been handed life sentences.

It is claimed the seven defendants were tried behind closed doors on charges of premeditated murder of government employees.

The demonstrations were crushed by the government with help from its Gulf Arab neighbours.

Government officials have said that a total of four policemen were killed during the unrest that gripped the country, at least three of whom were run over by a car.

Bahrain last issued a death sentence four years ago and prior to that had condemned only one person to die over the preceding three decades.