LONDON: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court held its first hearing on Sunday in a national security case involving 19 people accused of belonging to a “terrorist” organization linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The individuals are accused of undermining national unity, attempting to alter Bahrain’s constitutional system and obstructing state authorities from fulfilling their duties. The Public Prosecution has referred 19 people to trial in connection with the case, including 11 in custody and eight at large, according to Bahrain News Agency.
The court heard that the individuals attempted to control places of worship and community centers to incite opposition to Bahrain’s governance, promoting activities that threatened the country’s security and stability. The Public Prosecution added that the individuals’ actions supported Iran’s supreme leader and the ideology of the Iranian state.
Investigations revealed the individuals have collected funds and some have been in contact with the IRGC to carry out actions, including incitement to commit violent acts, riots and acts of sabotage in Bahrain, BNA added.
Last month, Bahrain’s High Criminal Court sentenced 12 people to 10 years’ imprisonment and imposed fines of 2,000 Bahraini dinars ($5,300) on some for supporting Iranian attacks against the country.
Bahrain, which hosts US Naval Forces Central Command and the Fifth Fleet, was among 10 countries targeted by Iran with missile and drone attacks, overseen by the IRGC.
Bahraini authorities intercepted and destroyed at least 194 ballistic missiles and 515 drones targeting the country since Feb. 28, when the US and Israel launched a war against Tehran.
