Bahrainis face trial for forming terror group

Manama 

The High Criminal Court  will pronounce its verdict on June 11 in the trial of 61 men accused of forming an extremist group.  The Bahraini defendants - 30 of whom are in police custody - are accused of joining and running an extremist group, which plotted to target security forces and vital locations nationwide. 

The rest of the defendants are still at large. Topping the accused list is notorious prisoner Redha Al Ghasra, who is serving a combined sentence over 100 years behind bars after being convicted in a set of terrorism-related cases. Redha’s four brothers are also included in the long list.

The Public Prosecution had earlier said in a statement that investigations proved that the first suspect played a major role in setting up the terrorist group apart from planning its strategies.  The mastermind reportedly raised funds and recruited people to carry out terrorist attacks on key establishments. He also designed plans to extend support to suspects to keep police at bay, stated the Public Prosecution. 

Investigations also confirmed that the defendants had imported arms into Bahrain through sea route and several suspects travelled overseas to receive militants’ training.  Several suspects fled the country immediately after the terrorist group was busted, it was revealed. The suspects are being tried on accusations of setting up and operating a terrorist group, disturbing the national unity, receiving training outside the country to use weapons, possessing arms, making bombs illegally, smuggling arms, explosives and ammunitions, targeting law enforcement officers and helping many to avoid trials.