The Public Prosecution has called for the death penalty for two individuals accused of espionage on behalf of a terrorist organisation.
According to prosecutors, the defendants allegedly photographed restricted locations with the intention of disclosing sensitive national defence information to hostile entities.
Both men have denied the accusation of communicating with an organisation ‘engaged in terrorist activities’, allegedly with the purpose of carrying out hostile acts against Bahrain.
At yesterday’s High Criminal Court hearing, a prosecution representative claimed that the defendants’ actions had contributed to the Iranian aggression the country is currently confronting.
“The security and sovereignty of the nation is above all. Loyalty to the country is not a negotiable choice,” he said, while addressing judges.
“The defendants did not commit a passing transgression – it was treason of the highest levels.
“They deserve to receive the highest possible penalty, with no measure of mercy granted to them: the capital punishment.”
According to the prosecutor, the brief speech served merely as an introduction to the trial, aiming to outline the suspects’ alleged motives and highlight the wider implications of the case.
It promised to present its argument and to showcase its ‘conclusive evidence and irrefutable proof’ against the suspects in the next hearing.
“The country is experiencing dire circumstances. Its citizens are fighting against this aggression and experiencing feelings of horror and panic.
“The defendants emerge from among us and show loyalty to the aggressor, betraying the country that generously provided for them.”
The judge ordered for lawyers to be appointed to defend the suspects.
The hearing was adjourned to tomorrow.
Although High Criminal Court hearings are not typically held on Wednesdays, the court is expediting the trial.
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