Eighteen defendants, accused of joining a terrorist organisation established for the purpose of undermining national unity, stood trial at the High Criminal Court yesterday.
According to the Public Prosecution, 15 individuals are in custody, while three are being tried in absentia as they remain at large.
The organisation is alleged to have sought to change Bahrain’s existing constitutional system by promoting the doctrine of Wilayat Al Faqih, which calls for complete allegiance to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
This was allegedly pursued through exerting control over places of worship and ma’atams and exploiting them to disseminate this ideology, inciting opposition to the existing system of government and calling for rebellion against it.
The individuals reportedly promoted ideas hostile to Bahrain, encouraged terrorist acts, rioting and vandalism, supported activities aimed at destabilising the country, and collected and allocated funds to support the organisation’s activities.
As soon as it received a report on the individuals, the kingdom’s authorities launched an investigation, and made the arrests.
Legal representatives were present and the accused were ensured that they were afforded their legal rights and all guarantees provided to them under the law.
They were permitted to contact their families and inform them of their circumstances, and were provided with healthcare while in detention in accordance with the legal requirements governing the treatment of defendants and detainees.
On referring the case to the court, the Public Prosecution also ensured the defendants’ rights to legal representation by appointing defence counsels for those who required it. The appointed lawyers appeared alongside those privately retained by the defendants.
The High Criminal Court heard the case while providing all defendants with the guarantees of a fair and impartial trial. A representative of the National Institution for Human Rights also attended the hearing.
The court heard statements from the defendants together with their lawyers, and the hearing has been adjourned to July 20 to allow time for further deliberation and enable legal representatives to visit the defendants in detention.
In a statement, the authorities emphasised that the kingdom’s laws guarantee the rights of defendants and the safeguards applicable during the stages of arrest, investigation and trial.
“The law requires that any person arrested be treated in a manner that preserves their human dignity, be informed of the reasons for their arrest, be permitted to contact their family to notify them of their circumstances, and have access to legal counsel,” the statements said.
“The Public Prosecution carries out its responsibilities while observing these safeguards with complete impartiality and objectivity.
“It has no interest in securing the conviction of any person unjustly, nor in relying upon evidence obtained through unlawful or invalid procedures that are prohibited by law and contrary to the principles of justice.”
“Criminal proceedings are conducted in full compliance with the provisions and procedures set out in the Criminal Procedure Law.
“The courts are committed to safeguarding all of the defendant’s rights, foremost among them the right to defend themselves, to have their defence fully examined, and to be assisted by legal counsel.
“Judicial decisions are ultimately based on the court’s satisfaction with the evidence and its confidence that the legal procedures have been properly observed. The law also grants defendants the right to appeal against judgments and judicial decisions.”
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