Manama: The Head of the Terrorism Crimes Prosecution announced that the High Criminal Court issued judgments today in four separate cases, convicting 14 defendants of joining terrorist groups and acting in their interest by carrying out hostile and terrorist acts against the Kingdom of Bahrain and harming its interests.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the court sentenced eight defendants to life imprisonment and six others to 15 years' imprisonment. It also imposed fines of up to BD100,000 on some of the defendants and ordered the confiscation of funds and seized items.
The Head of the Terrorism Crimes Prosecution stated that the cases originated from information subsequently confirmed through investigations conducted by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science. These investigations established that the defendants had joined terrorist groups involved in carrying out plots targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain, aiming to undermine public order, endanger the Kingdom's security, safety, and economy, harm individuals, spread fear among the public, and prevent state institutions and public authorities from carrying out their duties.
Investigations further revealed that the defendants were tasked with various terrorist activities within the Kingdom, and were involved in transporting, receiving, and delivering funds intended to support and finance terrorist elements affiliated with those groups. The Public Prosecution initiated investigations immediately upon receiving the reports, questioning the defendants apprehended inside the Kingdom, hearing witness testimonies, and assigning technical experts to examine the seized electronic devices. The examination results confirmed the findings of the investigations. It was concluded that the roles undertaken by the defendants as members of those terrorist groups were crucial in executing terrorist acts that endangered the Kingdom's security and stability.
Based on the findings, the Public Prosecution referred the defendants to the High Criminal Court. The court heard the cases over several hearings, ensuring all legal guarantees, including the defendants' right to defense, were upheld before issuing the judgments.
The Public Prosecution emphasized its commitment to confronting all terrorist crimes with firmness, pursuing those responsible, and taking deterrent legal measures against those proven to be involved, to safeguard the security, stability, and interests of the Kingdom of Bahrain.