Fourteen men on Thursday denied belonging to a terrorist organisation and attempting to forcibly overthrow Bahrain's monarchy.

They pleaded not guilty during an appearance at the Court of National Safety, attended by representatives of Bahrain human rights organisations, local media, MPs and relatives of the defendants.

Seven other men have been charged in absentia and Interpol issued with a request they be arrested.

The judge accepted a request by defence lawyers for a ruling on the court's constitutionality, despite pleas by the Military Prosecution that it was legitimate in line with a Royal decree that imposed the State of National Safety.

However, hearings in the case will continue and prosecution witnesses will be summoned to court on Monday.

The judge agreed to allow the men to meet their families and lawyers for the first time since their arrests and referred some for medical examination.

He demanded the Military Prosecution handover the evidence it had against the men to the defence lawyers and provide medicines to those suffering from chronic illnesses.

The judge also agreed that defence lawyers should get copies of their clients' medical reports during their imprisonment.

The 14 defendants are Abdulwahab Hussain Ali Ahmed, Ibrahim Sharif Abdulraheem Moussa, Hassan Ali Mushaima, Abdulhadi Abdulla Al Khawaja, Abduljalil Abdulla Al Singace, Mohammed Habib Al Saffaf, Saeed Mirza Ahmed, Abduljalil Radhi Makki, Abdulhadi Abdulla Hassan, Al Hur Yousif Al Somaikh, Abdulla Isa Al Mahroos, Salah Abdulla Hubail, Mohammed Hassan Jawad and Mohammed Ali Redha Ismail.

All pleaded not guilty except for Makki, who confessed to participating in illegal demonstrations and rallies.

The seven men charged in absentia are Al Sayed Aqeel Ahmed Al Mahfoodh, Ali Hassan Abdul Imam, Abdulghani Isa Ghanger, Saeed Abdulnabi Al Shehabi, Abdulraouf Abdulla Al Shayeb, Abbas Nasser Omran and Ali Hassan Mushaima.

All 21 suspects have been charged with:

*Establishing and administrating terror groups to topple the state Royal regime and change its constitution.
*Seeking and corresponding with a terrorist organisation abroad working to commit hostile acts against Bahrain.
*Attempting to forcefully topple Bahrain's Royal system and change its constitution.
*Attempting to topple or change the political system.
*Collecting funds and paying terror groups, with knowledge of their terrorist activities.
*Possessing documents and publications inciting the overthrow of state political system.
*Public incitement of hatred and contempt of the system.
*Broadcasting false news and rumours and malicious propaganda that would cause disruption of public security and harm public interest.
*Inciting non-compliance with laws and elaborating a matter which is considered a crime.
*Taking part in rallies without notifying the concerned authorities.
 
The court agreed to consider a request to release the defendants on bail with guarantees they would remain at their place of residence.

But the Military Prosecution strongly objected, saying the seriousness of the offences meant the men could be jailed for life or executed.-TradeArabia News Service