Doha frees 20 persons accused in coup attempt

Well-informed sources at the higher criminal court in Doha said 20 Qataris who were accused in a failed coup attempt in 1996 were released after each of them paid a guarantee estimated at l0,000 Riyals (approximately US $2,747).

The court commission comprising three judges in its Wednesday's session decided to free them for "humanitarian" reasons.

Some 117 persons have been tried in this case including 46 in absentia under charges of treason and disclosing state's secrets to foreign countries and attempting to topple the ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani.

Among the accused are two members of the ruling al-Thani family, 10 foreigners, and many members of former Qatari armed forces. During March another 12 of the defendants were released for health reasons at a guarantee of 10,000 riyals.