Bahrain Court Hears Terrorism Case Against 17 Defendants

Bahrain's High Criminal Court has begun hearing the case of 17 defendants accused of joining a terrorist group allegedly formed to undermine the Kingdom's constitutional system and threaten national security.

According to the Head of the Terrorist Crimes Prosecution, the defendants are charged with joining a group established to advocate the suspension of the Constitution and laws, obstruct state institutions from carrying out their duties, weaken national unity, and seek to change Bahrain's constitutional system.

The prosecution alleged that the group promoted the ideology of the Guardianship of the Jurist, which calls for allegiance to Iran's Supreme Leader and political authority. It said the defendants used places of worship, Maatams and Hussainiyas to spread the ideology, while also inciting against the constitutional system, encouraging terrorist acts, riots and sabotage, supporting activities aimed at destabilising the Kingdom, and collecting and distributing funds to finance the group's activities.

The Public Prosecution has charged 17 defendants in the case, including 15 who are in custody and two who remain fugitives.

During Wednesday's hearing, the court heard the case in the presence of defence lawyers and adjourned proceedings until July 22 to allow the defence team to review the case files. The court also authorised defence lawyers to visit their clients in custody.