Iran interfering in Bahrain’s internal affairs: Minister

Manama : Bahrain has adopted a series of measures including travel curbs and monitoring of money transfers in a bid to counter Iran’s “interference” in the Kingdom.

Interior Minister Lt General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa yesterday spoke of the “dangers of Iran’s interference in the internal security” of Bahrain during a meeting with clerics, MPs and newspaper chiefs.

“We have taken a series of measures to confront the dangers of terrorism,” Shaikh Rashid said.

A committee to monitor financial transactions and donations of individuals and organisations has been formed in order to combat the “financing of terrorism.”

Also, new travel restrictions have been imposed on citizens, especially aged between 14 and 18, who travel to “unsafe countries” as named by
the Cabinet to the Legal Committee.

Shaikh Rashid said the authorities would also take measures to “protect religious discourse against religious and political extremism as well as incitement.”

The authorities will also confront any “attempts to politicise” Hussaniya rituals to spread chaos and incitement in an attempt to hijack these rituals away from their original purpose, the Interior Minister said.

“Regarding our security, we look forward to shifting focus from continual state of readiness and response to a more proactive security strategy. This shift will happen in cooperation with our partners from other government authorities and community members. Security and general order is a national responsibility that includes citizens and residents,” he added.

Iran’s interference

The Minister accused Iran of trying to exploit Bahrain’s politics, economy and social fabric to achieve its expansionist ambitions.

“Bahrainis know that their stability relies on their national identity, which isn’t a Sunni or Shia identity, but a Bahraini identity. We will not allow Bahrain to accept extremism or terrorism and we will not let go of what we have achieved regarding our security and stability.”

He also accused Iran of offering financial support, weapons and explosives to “terror” cells whose members he said were trained by Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards and Lebanon’s Tehran-backed Hezbollah. This includes training in bomb making that has led to the death of 17 policemen and injury of thousands.

Shaikh Rashid said the public statements by Iranian officials, community leaders and scholars, news presenters and Iranian alliances had always accompanied the terrorist activities in the Kingdom. 

“The Supreme Leader of Iran and his advisors led these statements along with former and current Iranian Presidents, Chairmen of the Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly, top government officials and journalists. Their statements were broadcast both inside and outside Iran and were designed to work continuously against Bahrain,” he said.

“There were several attempts to disrupt national unity by igniting sectarian extremism to create sedition between Sunni and Shia citizens. 

“There was also an attempt to hinder the political reform process in Bahrain. The reforms are led by His Majesty the King who has called for the political process to be open and for people to maintain a strong sense of nationalism rather than forming political loyalty to Iran,” the Minister added.

He said the Iranian plot in Bahrain and the reckless plans to spread chaos and disturb public order has failed. 

“These foreign plots were adopted by groups of extremists in Bahrain who pretended to work within a peaceful political framework but their dangerous goals have been discovered. 

“It was an attempt to drag the country into a civil war that is similar to what we are seeing in some nearby countries. But with patience and wisdom from all of us, the leadership and people, Bahrain has managed to evade the evil that has come to us from the outside. We did so by using the goodness from inside. Those who led and implemented criminal operations have been accountable, and anyone who continues to engage in such activities will face the law.

“I’m asking, should those who joined Iran or sought out foreign embassies to discuss our national policies and sovereignty be part of democratic life and political reform? Should they be legislators or judges? Are they worthy to hold key posts in the state or join military or security forces? They did not take their national responsibility to heart and therefore cannot be partners in the building of the future of this nation. The people who deserve such a role are the national figures who put the interest of Bahrain before everything else, under the leadership of HM the King and who respects the Kingdom’s laws and constitution. Hopefully, the sincere and true people of Bahrain will be the winners. 

“Our message to Iran is that Bahrain is an Arab state as decided by the United Nations committee in 1970. And Bahrain will remain an Arab state. This was made clear when I asked on 23 July 2015 to condemn the statements of the Iranian President and the national response was supportive letters to HM the King. It was yet another obvious national pledge.

“Regarding security procedures in Bahrain, we have assessed areas that were exploited to disrupt the security and general order of the country. As a result, we have taken steps to update these areas and confront the risk of terrorism. For this, I would like to thank all security efforts in this regard, especially the National Security Agency and the Criminal Investigation Division that helped in the identification and location of wanted criminals and weapons stashes,” he added.

Shaikh Rashid said the Ministry had uncovered a “terrorist organisation” linked to Tehran in November 2015 and arrested 76 suspects.

“We do not accuse anyone without substantial evidence,” he said.