Bahrain: Conviction of a Defendant and Sentencing to 10 Years in Prison for Supporting Iranian Aggressions

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The Grand Criminal Court in Bahrain convicted a defendant and sentenced him to ten years in prison and fined him two thousand dinars for "promoting and encouraging the Iranian terrorist attacks against the Kingdom of Bahrain." The court also ordered the confiscation of the phone used in the crime.

The Public Prosecution received a report from the Cyber Crime Directorate of the General Directorate for Combating Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security, which monitored images, videos, and comments published on an account on a social media platform that included incitement to the Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain and encouragement for them.

The investigations indicated that the identity of the defendant managing that account was identified, and the Public Prosecution began its investigations immediately upon receiving that report. They interrogated the defendant, listened to the testimonies of witnesses, and appointed technical experts to examine the seized electronic devices.

It was established from the investigations and the results of the examination that the defendant committed the crime attributed to him. Consequently, the Public Prosecution ordered his referral while in custody to the Grand Criminal Court, which examined the case in trial sessions that respected all the legal guarantees provided, foremost among them the right to defense, until it issued its ruling convicting the defendant and sentencing him.

In this context, Bahrain confirmed that freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed within the framework of the law, and its practice is subject to adherence to the legal controls that ensure the safety of society and the interests of the country. The Public Prosecution pointed out that it is determined to firmly confront, through its competencies, anything that may affect the security and stability of the country.