Mohammed Sheik Riyadh, a Pakistani who was living in Bahrain, died after his vehicle caught fire during a protest by Bahraini Shiites in March 2009.

Shiites account for about 70 percent of the population of the Sunni-ruled oil-rich country, which has 530,000 citizens. Economic disparities between the ruling elite and the poorer majority have contributed to feelings of marginalization among Shiites.

Defense lawyers said they would appeal Monday's verdict, citing shortcomings in the court's procedures.