A man who insulted Arab states and deliberately disseminated false news has been sentenced to six months in prison with immediate effect and fined BD200 by the Lower Criminal Court.
The Public Prosecution received a report from the Cybercrime Directorate concerning an interview the man gave on a television channel, which was subsequently circulated on several social media platforms.
During the interview, he made false and defamatory statements about Arab states, accusing them of collusion and conspiracy, and called on people to resist and rise up against their governments, the Public Prosecution said in a statement yesterday.
An investigation was launched into the incident, during which the authorities reviewed the statements made by the defendant and questioned him in the presence of his lawyer, the statement added.
He was later referred for trial before the Lower Criminal Court, which issued the verdict.
The authorities emphasised that freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed under the Constitution, provided it does not undermine national unity, incite division or violate the law.
Broadcasting false news, provocative propaganda, malicious rumours and insulting states are criminal acts punishable by law, and what the defendant committed therefore falls outside the scope of freedom of opinion and expression and constitutes a criminal offence, the Public Prosecution said.
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