Bahrain Issues Prison Sentences for 25 Defendants in a Social Media-Related Case

Prison Sentences of Up to 10 Years for 25 Defendants in Bahrain

A court in the Kingdom of Bahrain has issued prison sentences for 25 defendants, ranging from 5 to 10 years, in addition to financial fines of up to 2000 dinars, following their conviction for supporting attacks attributed to Iran, as well as using social media platforms to spread rumors and statements deemed prohibited.

Charges of Spreading False News and Trading Prohibited Data via Social Media

The public prosecution has charged the defendants with spreading false news and rumors that could harm public security, in addition to obtaining sensitive data and photographing locations that are prohibited from being photographed, as well as publishing content supportive of hostile actions on social media, which the authorities considered a violation of national security.

Details of Investigations and Collection of Digital Evidence in the Case

According to investigation details, the Cyber Crime Department received reports about active accounts on social media platforms.

The relevant authorities were able to identify the defendants, and their electronic devices were examined by technical experts, confirming the results of digital evidence linked to the incidents attributed to them.

Referral of Defendants to the Grand Criminal Court and Trial Proceedings

The public prosecution in Bahrain referred the defendants to the Grand Criminal Court in Bahrain after completing the investigations.

The case witnessed several trial sessions with respect to legal guarantees, including the presence of defense lawyers and allowing the defendants to present their defenses before the final verdicts were issued.

Public Prosecution's Confirmation of Freedom of Expression within the Legal Framework

The public prosecution confirmed that freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed by law, but emphasized the necessity of not exploiting social media to spread misleading information or content that harms security or incites public disorder.

It clarified that any violation of these regulations exposes the perpetrators to legal accountability.