Final arguments set in false news and foreign state insult trial

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The Fourth Lower Criminal Court has adjourned a case involving a defendant accused of broadcasting false news and insulting a foreign state to December 29 for final arguments. At a previous hearing, the Public Prosecution presented its written and oral submissions and called for the maximum penalty to be imposed.

According to court records, the defendant appeared in a televised interview during which he allegedly made statements calling for chaos and inciting instability. Prosecutors said he urged Bahraini and Arab citizens to revolt against their governments, describing them as submissive, and accused several Arab states of collusion and conspiracy against the Palestinian cause, while claiming that others remained silent and inactive.

The case stems from a report received by the Cybercrime Directorate, which monitored the televised interview and related social media content in which the defendant allegedly made false and offensive statements.

The Chief Prosecutor told the court that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of opinion and expression, this right is subject to the law and does not extend to acts that undermine national unity, incite division or violate legal provisions. He stressed that broadcasting false news, spreading inflammatory propaganda and rumours, and insulting states are criminal offences punishable under the law, and fall outside the scope of constitutionally protected expression.