Twenty-one defendants across 13 cases were sentenced to up to 10 years in prison on charges including promoting Iranian aggression, sharing sensitive information and committing acts of violence.
The High Criminal Court yesterday found 10 defendants in nine cases guilty of supporting hostile acts by Iran in March and April, as well as photographing restricted sites and sharing the images on social media.
They were handed prison terms of up to a decade, with some also fined BD2,000.
Three defendants will be deported after completing their time in prison.
According to the Public Prosecution, the suspects were reported by the Interior Ministry’s Cybercrimes directorate, which spotted the posts online. The content included images, videos and comments that sympathise with the aggression, along with information deemed illegal to obtain or circulate.
The suspects behind the accounts were identified, and their devices were inspected by technical experts, whose findings were used to charge the defendants.
Meanwhile, 11 defendants in four separate cases were sentenced to up to five years in prison over incidents of vandalism and violence during the March attacks.
Some of the suspects were fined BD500. They were reportedly arrested while committing these acts of destruction, which were concurrent with Iran’s hostilities.
“Freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed by law, but the use of social media must remain within legal limits and should not undermine national security or stability,” the prosecution stated.
“Publishing or circulating content that sympathises with or justifies terrorist acts, or divulges sensitive information, constitutes a violation of national security and civil order.
“The Public Prosecution will strictly enforce the law and take necessary measures to discourage violations.”
It called on citizens and residents to be responsible when using social media.
It confirmed that the suspects’ rights were upheld throughout their remand and trial, adding that firm action will be taken against anyone threatening public safety through vandalism or acts of violence and chaos.
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