Manama, April 28 (BNA): In light of the Iranian terrorist attacks that targeted the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Head of the Terrorist Crimes Prosecution reported that the High Criminal Court rendered judgments in 22 cases during its session today, Tuesday, regarding acts committed by specific individuals involving the endorsement and glorification of the terrorist attacks against the Kingdom, the acquisition and dissemination of vital information that is prohibited, the photographing of locations where photography is forbidden, and the dissemination of false information on social media.
Up to 10-year sentences in cases supporting Iranian terrorist acts
The Court fined some of the 24 defendants two thousand dinars and sentenced them to prison terms ranging from five to ten years. Additionally, it penalized one defendant two thousand dinars and sentenced him to a year in prison. The forfeiture of the seized objects was also mandated by the court.
The Cybercrime Directorate had sent the Public Prosecution several reports showing that accounts on social media platforms had been monitored endorsing and glorifying the Iranian terrorist attacks that targeted the Kingdom of Bahrain, publishing important information, taking pictures of important locations where photography is forbidden, and disseminating rumors and false information intended to undermine Bahraini society’s morale in the face of the violent aggression.
Images, video clips, and comments that glorified hostile acts were among the materials published through those accounts. Other materials included the publication of false information and rumors that could incite public fear and jeopardize public safety, as well as the display of important locations and data that constitute information prohibited from publication and that may not be obtained or disseminated.
The Public Prosecution started its inquiry when investigations revealed the identity of persons in charge of those accounts. It interrogated the defendants, heard testimony from witnesses, and sent technical specialists to inspect the confiscated electronic equipment, the findings of which verified the defendants’ involvement in the alleged crimes.
As a result, the Public Prosecution ordered the defendants to be referred to the High Criminal Court, where the cases were heard over multiple sessions while all required legal guarantees were upheld, including the defendants’ attorneys’ presence and the opportunity to present their defense, until the aforementioned rulings were rendered today.
In this regard, the Public Prosecution affirms that the right to freedom of opinion and expression is protected by the law, and that everyone has access to social media platforms as long as legal restrictions are followed and they are not used to jeopardize national security or stability. It further emphasizes that publishing or disseminating any content that endorses, glorifies, or justifies hostile terrorist acts, disseminates important information, photographs locations where photography is forbidden, or publishes rumors and false information directly jeopardizes national security, civil peace, and the Kingdom’s interests.
Additionally, the Public Prosecution affirms that it will continue to strictly enforce the law’s provisions within the framework of a legislative system that criminalizes such acts because they involve the disclosure of prohibited data, allow hostile entities to profit from such data, and have the potential to cause panic and undermine security and stability.
The Public Prosecution affirms that the security and stability of the country are not compromised and that it will not hesitate to take deterrent legal measures against anyone who violates the provisions of the law. It calls on citizens and residents to abide by the provisions of the law and to act responsibly when using social media platforms.
