A MAN allegedly collected money from his brother and handed it over to members of a terrorist group, a court heard.
The 34-year-old is standing trial at the High Criminal Court along with his brother and seven other defendants, including two cousins, are also facing charges of possessing explosive materials.
The nine Bahrainis are accused of being part of an illicit group.
“In 2015, I was sentenced in absentia to 11 years behind bars and had my citizenship revoked in a terrorism-related case.
“I asked my brother (co-defendant aged 40) for money which I then gave to fugitives to help them.”
A detective earlier told the court how a Bahraini man used funds collected as religious donations to fund terrorist groups operating in the country.
He said his investigations showed the defendants helped finance terrorist cells in the country from 2016 to 2018.
The 34-year-old defendant has been accused of collecting money under the guise of religious donations to fund several known terrorist groups.
He has denied the charges and told prosecutors during questioning he only gave money to needy families.
One of his co-defendants admitted to helping distribute funds to members of terrorist cells, but claimed he only did it because he needed the cash.
Another defendant claimed he was in prison at the time of the alleged incident.
The hearing was adjourned until September 24 for submission of defence papers.
Al Wefaq was dissolved in July 2016 for inciting violence, sectarianism and encouraging participation in illegal rallies.
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