Arsonists lose appeal

TDT | Manama

The Supreme Criminal Court of Appeal recently upheld the prison sentences issued against two Bahraini men who were previously convicted of arson and taking part in an illegal gathering in the Capital Governorate.

The case involves six defendants, including the appellants, who were all sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with two of them being sentenced in absentia.

The crime dates back to December 17, 2018, when the six defendants agreed to gather at one of the main roads in Sitra and burn tyres to halt traffic, simultaneously with the Kingdom’s celebrations of National Day and the anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne.

As a result of the investigations launched by the Public Prosecution then, the six defendants were charged with possession of Molotov cocktails, participating in an illegal gathering, and disturbing public security.

It was shown in the details of the case that the men gathered along Avenue 1 in Sitra on the aforementioned date and placed five tyres on the road before setting them ablaze.

Police reports also showed that the defendants, along with other unknown accomplices, hurled Molotov cocktails at Public Security forces, who reached the scene to douse the fire and handle the situation.

Police investigations led to the arrest of a couple of the defendants, who confessed to their crimes in the interrogation and led the police to their accomplices. Police succeeded in arresting two more defendants, while two more remained at large.

The court sentenced all of the involved individuals to three years’ imprisonment; four in praesentia and two in absentia. The two appellants pleaded against the verdict, but the Supreme Court of Appeal rejected their plea, considering the peremptory evidence against them.

The court also rejected the appeals of the two other defendants involved in the crime last month.