Manama, Bahrain – The Bahraini Public Prosecution announced that the High Criminal Court today issued harsh sentences in cases related to espionage and intelligence cooperation with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. This comes as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to counter activities targeting its national security and stability.
Details of the rulings
The head of the Terrorism Crimes Prosecution stated that the court, in separate cases, sentenced three defendants to ten years in prison each. In addition, each defendant was fined 2,000 Bahraini dinars, and all seized items were confiscated. The court convicted the defendants of publicly supporting and endorsing attacks targeting the Kingdom. They were also convicted of obtaining prohibited vital data and photographing military and security sites, the circulation of which is prohibited. Details indicate that the defendants had previously exploited social media to publish images and videos praising hostile acts against Bahrain. Furthermore, they leaked intelligence information and vital data classified as information whose publication or circulation is prohibited in the country.
The course of investigations and trial
The case stems from reports received by the Cybercrime Unit regarding online accounts promoting terrorist ideologies and collecting sensitive information. Based on security investigations, the suspects were identified and arrested.
During the Public Prosecution’s investigations, the defendants confessed to the charges against them. Technical evidence obtained from examining the seized electronic devices further corroborated the accusations.
The Public Prosecution affirmed that the trials were conducted in accordance with all applicable legal guarantees in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The defendants were provided with legal representation and given the opportunity to present their defense before the court over several sessions prior to the issuance of final judgments.
These rulings come amid Bahraini authorities’ emphasis on the need to protect the kingdom’s security from any foreign interference or intelligence activities aimed at destabilizing the country. The authorities affirmed that Bahraini law will deal firmly with any entity or individual proven to be collaborating with foreign parties to carry out hostile acts against the nation’s security and stability.
