Bahrain has launched extensive investigations into an organisation that’s allegedly linked to the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Public Prosecution has revealed.
The group was formed by members of the dissolved Islamic Scholars Council and was engaged in promoting the ideology of Wilayat Al Faqih, alongside extremist views advocating allegiance to Iran’s Supreme Leader over loyalty to Bahrain and its constitutional institutions.
Authorities allege that members sought to facilitate Iranian interference in the kingdom’s internal affairs by exerting influence over mosques, ma’atams and religious seminaries, using these platforms to disseminate their ideology and deliver inflammatory sermons.
The group is also accused of recruiting individuals, encouraging participation in its activities and arranging for members to study the Wilayat Al Faqih doctrine in Iran before promoting it locally.
Investigations further indicate that clerics opposed to the doctrine were subjected to pressure and intimidation, including the issuance of religious rulings against them, marginalisation and alleged threats of violence.
Members have been accused of collecting funds without authorisation to support and finance the organisation’s activities.
These reportedly included promoting ideological and political allegiance to Iran’s leadership, as well as inciting unrest and facilitating acts of terrorism, rioting and vandalism.
The Public Prosecution yesterday said that it has begun questioning 41 suspects who were arrested, in the presence of legal counsel for some of them.
All have been granted full legal guarantees under the law and remanded in custody pending further investigation.
Authorities have also ordered the lifting of banking secrecy on their accounts and the freezing of both their accounts and assets.
The Public Prosecution explained that numerous publications advocating the doctrine of Wilayat Al Faqih, as well as sums of money, were seized from the suspects.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in offences affecting national security, public safety and financial integrity, the statement added.
It is further claimed that funds collected by the group were transferred to Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to support organisations operating there.
Furthermore, certain suspects personally benefited from the funds they collected, using them for personal expenses, including the purchase of gold jewellery, real estate and vehicles, as well as covering their children’s educational costs.
The Public Prosecution said investigations were ongoing and a detailed statement will be issued once inquiries are complete.
The GDN reported earlier this month that 41 individuals were arrested over alleged links to terrorism-related activities.
Officials said the arrests were based on evidence gathered through previous inquiries into cases involving communication with external parties and support for ‘blatant Iranian aggression’.
Authorities also identified 11 more individuals based in Tehran who allegedly acted as a key communication link between operatives in Bahrain and their handlers in Iran.
A video released by the Interior Ministry showed cash piles, yellow flags associated with Hizbollah, electronic devices and literature seized during the operation.
A total of BD600,000 in cash was found at the residence of one of the 41 individuals.
The disclosure was made by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa during a meeting with various segments of society, where he highlighted Iran’s interference in Bahrain’s affairs through its proxies and ideologies.
He added that the group exaggerated social and economic issues, built militias linked to the IRGC, trained members in designated camps, supplied them with weapons and explosives, and facilitated smuggling operations.
&uuid=(email))