138 terror suspects trial on August

Manama : A total of 138 suspects, allegedly belonging to the terrorist group Zulfiqar Brigades, will stand trial on August 28 on charges including espionage and armed attacks on police.

Meanwhile, 52 of the suspects who are still at large will be tried in absentia.

According to the Chief Prosecutor and Acting Chief of the Terror Crimes Prosecution, Hamad Shaheen, investigations into the formation of the terrorist outfit have been completed and they were referred to the fifth High Criminal Court yesterday. 

The suspects will be tried over charges of establishing and running a terrorist group. They were also accused of carrying out blasts, possessing explosives, training to use weapons and explosives, and attempting to murder policemen.

Other charges include placing bogus explosives in public areas, exchanging intelligence with a foreign country in order to carry out hostile acts against the Kingdom, holding illegal gatherings, rioting, possessing flammable materials and damaging property.

The Court documents reveal that on November 25, the Public Prosecution received a report from the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science indicating that leaders of terrorist groups operating in Bahrain and some fugitive convicts in Iran and Iraq had held meetings in Iran.

Supported by the Iranian regime and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, they unifed their criminal activities in the Kingdom by merging under one terrorist organisation, which they called “Zulfiqar
Brigades.”

The move was aimed at addressing shortages in trained men, weapons and explosives.

Zulfiqar Brigades had terrorist elements, who were experienced in making and detonating explosives, using firearms, and establishing warehouses. 

The group subsequently recruited new elements and trained them on carrying out criminal plots in Bahrain.

Investigations showed that its military wing had carried out several attacks in the Kingdom after receiving training at the camps of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Iran and Iraq.