Woman remanded over fabricated online video

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A woman has been remanded in custody after admitting she invented a social-media video that accused a government office-holder of harassing female job applicants, the Public Prosecution announced yesterday.

She is charged with spreading false news and misusing social media.

The Public Prosecution received a report from the Cybercrime Directorate about a clip posted online.

Position

In it, the woman said a girl had contacted her, claiming an office-holder abused his position to target applicants for jobs or grades, and that the girl was one of the victims.

Prosecutors opened an inquiry and questioned the maker of the clip.

At first she said the story came from an unknown girl. Later she changed tack, saying a female employee knew of the matter and had faced the same thing.

Revenge

The named employee was summoned. She denied the claim, said the episode was made up and added that the accused had reasons for revenge.

Police inquiries did not bear out the allegation.

Confronted with the employee’s statement and the case findings, the accused admitted the story was invented and of her own making.

Investigation Prosecutors ordered her held pending investigation. The prosecution said it will take legal action against anyone who uses social media to spread false news or to push untrue claims that harm people or damage trust in public bodies.