Abu Saiba blast: Forensic expert to stand trial on Feb 9

Manama : A forensic expert will take the stand on February 9 in the trial of 32 Bahraini defendants suspected in connection with a blast that murdered a police officer in Abu Saiba. 

However, only 20 of the defendants are in police custody as the rest are at large and will be tried in absentia.  They have been charged with murdering an on duty cop, establishing a terrorist cell, detonating an explosive, possessing explosives, hiding fugitives and damaging private and public properties. 

According to court files, two bombs went off in the area of Abu Saiba on August 28, 2015, resulting in killing a police officer as well as injuring other officers and civilians who were in the area. The blasts also caused damages to a police patrol vehicle as well as other civilians’ cars.  Investigations led to identify the 32 defendants who are suspected to be involved in  the attacks. But arrests were made to only 20 defendants. 

According to court files, the defendants admitted to forming a terrorist cell, and detonating the explosives. The defendants were sent for trial based on evidences collected from the scene as well as their confessions, and witnesses’ testimonies, court files showed.