High Criminal Court hears terrorism case involving 18 defendants

TDT | Manama | Email : online@newsofbahrain.com 

Bahrain's High Criminal Court has held a hearing in a terrorism case involving 18 defendants accused of joining a terrorist organisation, according to the Head of the Terrorism Crimes Prosecution.

The Public Prosecution alleged that the organisation was established with the aim of suspending the Constitution and laws, preventing state institutions from carrying out their duties, undermining national unity, and changing Bahrain's constitutional system by promoting the ideology of Wilayat al Faqih, advocating allegiance to Iran's Supreme Leader, and supporting subordination to Iran's political authority.

According to the prosecution, the group sought to achieve its objectives by attempting to control places of worship, maatams and Husseiniyas (community centres), using them to spread its ideology, inciting opposition to Bahrain's system of governance, promoting ideas hostile to the state, encouraging terrorist acts, riots and sabotage, supporting activities aimed at destabilising the Kingdom, and collecting and allocating funds to finance its operations.

The prosecution said charges were brought against 18 defendants, including 15 currently in custody and three who remain at large.

It stated that investigations were conducted in accordance with legal procedures, with the detained defendants questioned under the law. Some were questioned in the presence of legal counsel, while all were afforded their legal rights and guarantees. The defendants were also permitted to contact their families and received healthcare during their detention in line with applicable regulations.

The Public Prosecution said legal representation was ensured after the case was referred to court through the appointment of defence lawyers, alongside privately retained legal counsel. It added that the hearing was conducted in accordance with fair trial guarantees and attended by a representative of the National Institution for Human Rights.

During the session, the court heard submissions from the defendants and their lawyers before adjourning the case until July 20, 2026, to allow the defence additional time to review the case file and meet with the detained defendants.

The Head of the Terrorism Crimes Prosecution said Bahrain's legal framework safeguards the rights of defendants throughout the stages of arrest, investigation and trial. He said the law requires that defendants be treated with dignity, informed of the reasons for their arrest, allowed to contact their families, and granted access to legal counsel.

He added that the Public Prosecution conducts criminal proceedings impartially and objectively, relying only on legally obtained evidence and observing the principles of justice. He also said court proceedings are carried out in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure, ensuring defendants' rights to present their defence and be represented by lawyers, while preserving their right to appeal court judgments and decisions in accordance with the law.