Manama : The Chief Prosecutor of the Terrorism Crimes Prosecution stated that the High Criminal Court, in its session held today, issued a verdict convicting a defendant of committing offences involving the endorsement of the Iranian terrorist attacks against the Kingdom of Bahrain, following his publication of material on social media in support of the attacks. The court sentenced him to five years in prison, fined him BD2,000 and ordered the confiscation of the seized items.
The Public Prosecution had received a report from the Cybercrime Directorate at the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, stating that an account on social media had been identified containing images, videos and comments endorsing and glorifying the Iranian terrorist attacks targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Investigations led to the identification of the person operating the account. The Public Prosecution immediately commenced its investigation upon receiving the report, questioning the defendant, hearing witness statements and assigning technical experts to examine the seized electronic devices. The examination results confirmed that he had committed the acts attributed to him.
In light of the investigation findings, the Public Prosecution ordered the referral of the defendant to the High Criminal Court, which heard the case over several sessions during which all legally prescribed guarantees were afforded to him, foremost among them the right to a defence, and subsequently issued the aforementioned verdict.
The Public Prosecution affirmed that freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed within the framework of the law, and that the use of social media must comply with legal regulations and must not involve anything that could undermine the security or stability of the country.
It also affirmed that publishing or circulating material that endorses, glorifies or justifies terrorist acts constitutes an offence punishable by law, as such conduct undermines national security and social peace, and that it will continue to take legal action against anyone who violates the law.
The Public Prosecution called on citizens and residents to act responsibly when using social media in a manner that contributes to protecting the security and stability of the Kingdom.
