Manama: The High Criminal Court today issued rulings in three separate cases involving individuals who supported and endorsed Iranian terrorist attacks against the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as obtaining and disseminating prohibited information and photographing locations where photography is prohibited.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the court sentenced three defendants to prison terms of up to 10 years, fined some of them up to BD5,000, and ordered the confiscation of the seized items, the Deputy Chief Prosecutor for Terrorism Crimes said.
The cases arose from reports received by the Public Prosecution from the relevant security authorities concerning the monitoring of social media accounts containing content supporting and endorsing Iranian terrorist attacks targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain, in addition to the publication of information and images of vital sites where photography and filming are prohibited.
The content published through the accounts included photographs, videos, and comments expressing support and endorsement of the attacks, as well as information and details concerning vital locations, which are classified as information prohibited from being published, obtained, or circulated.
Investigations led to the identification of those operating the accounts. The Public Prosecution subsequently conducted its investigations, questioned the defendants, heard witness statements, and appointed technical experts to examine the seized electronic devices. The examination confirmed that the defendants had committed the offences with which they were charged.
Based on the findings of the investigations, the Public Prosecution referred the defendants to the High Criminal Court, which considered the cases over several hearings during which all legally prescribed safeguards were observed, including the presence of lawyers and enabling the defendants to present their defense. The court subsequently issued its rulings at today's hearing.
The Public Prosecution stressed that cyberspace, and the content published or circulated through it, is subject to the law and regulations established to protect community security and interests. It noted that what some may regard as merely an interaction or sharing of content on social media may entail criminal liability when it exceeds the limits prescribed by law.
The Public Prosecution also urged users of platforms to exercise responsibility when publishing or circulating content and to refrain from contributing to the dissemination or circulation of prohibited materials and information that could harm the Kingdom's security or community safety. It affirmed its continued efforts to combat crimes committed through electronic means and to take legal action against those responsible, in order to safeguard national security and civil peace.