Manama – A U.S. citizen was jailed for 10 years in Bahrain on Tuesday, Sept. 25, on charges of attempted murder, during a disturbance related to anti-government protests, his lawyer said.

The State Department confirmed the jailing of American-born Tagi al-Maidan for 10 years and said his lawyer would appeal the sentence.

Maidan had earlier told Reuters the charges against him were false but that he had made a false confession under torture after his detention in October last year.

The government has denied any abuse in the incident, saying it has a “zero-tolerance policy” towards torture.

“The sentence was 10 years. We will appeal as soon as possible,” his lawyer, Mohammed al-Jishi, told Reuters. “The sentence was unexpected. There is no conclusive evidence against Tagi.”

A government official declined to comment until questions were emailed.

The State Department said the United States was in touch with Bahraini government about Maidan’s case and was following it closely.

“We continue to consult with officials of the government of Bahrain regarding Mr. al-Maidan’s safety and welfare, his treatment in prison including his medical and nutritional needs, and the Bahraini court system’s judicial proceedings,” the State Department said in a statement.

It said Maidan has repeatedly told a U.S. consular officer he had not been tortured.