Manama: The High Criminal Court has delivered verdicts in two separate cases, convicting three individuals of joining a terrorist group and engaging in activities to conduct hostile acts against the Kingdom of Bahrain, as announced by the Deputy Chief Prosecutor for Terrorism Crimes. All three defendants have been sentenced to 15 years in prison, with two of them fined BD2,000 each. The court also ordered the confiscation of seized items related to the cases.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the cases originated from intelligence received by the Public Prosecution, whose validity was confirmed through investigations conducted by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science. These investigations revealed that the defendants were members of a terrorist group aiming to disrupt public order and national security in Bahrain by committing acts intended to harm individuals, instill fear, and obstruct state institutions and public authorities from performing their functions.
Further findings indicated that the defendants were tasked with various terrorist activities within Bahrain, as well as handling funds meant to support and finance terrorist elements associated with the group. Upon receiving the reports, the Public Prosecution promptly initiated investigations, which included questioning the defendants-who admitted to the charges-gathering witness statements, and appointing technical experts to analyze seized devices.
The investigations concluded that the defendants' actions, as members of the terrorist group, played a crucial role in executing some of the terrorist acts in Bahrain, thus jeopardizing the nation's security and stability. Consequently, the Public Prosecution referred the cases to the High Criminal Court. The cases were heard separately over multiple hearings, ensuring all legal safeguards, including the presence of defense counsel, were maintained before the court rendered its rulings.
The Public Prosecution reiterated its commitment to continue efforts against crimes associated with terrorist groups and to take necessary legal actions against individuals proven to engage with such groups, aiming to protect the security and interests of the Kingdom.