Bahrain presses 12 charges against network
Bahrain’s public prosecution on Tuesday pressed 12 charges against the members of an alleged network, ranging from seeking to overthrow the regime to funding terrorist activities.
The structure and purposes of the network were revealed by the National Security Agency (NSA) on Saturday.
In announcing the charges, Abdul Rahman Al Sayyed, a senior public prosecution official, said that some of the defendants had confessed, but others rejected the accusations.
“The public prosecution has launched its investigations into the terrorist network since it was uncovered by the National Security Agency and supervised the procedures within the period specified by the law,” Al Sayyed said. “Some of the accused have confessed, while others have denied the charges. They all remain imprisoned pending the investigation, and all of them underwent a legal medical checkup,” he said.
Following the quizzing by a group of public prosecution officials, charges were leveled, he said.
“All legal guarantees on the defendants’ rights were taken throughout the investigation stages and all charges are related to terrorist crimes, the use of force and illegal means and inciting them,” Al Sayyed said. “Justice will take its course with full respect of the constitution and the law while rights will be preserved in line with international covenants signed by Bahrain,” he said.
On Monday, Amnesty International urged the Bahraini authorities to ensure a fair trial for the 23 defendants accused of terrorism and plotting to overthrow the government.
Side bar: the charges
The establishment and running of an illegal organization to disrupt the provisions of the Constitution and laws and to prevent public authorities from exercising their work through the use of terrorism
The establishment of an organization to overthrow the regime and to change the social regime through the use of illegal means, namely acts of arson, vandalism and destruction.
Participation through incitement and agreement on acts of sabotage, destruction and arson for a terrorist purpose
Raising money for an organization involved in terrorist activities inside the country
Calling for the illegal and forceful change of the political regime through public speeches and online statements
Incitement for the resentment and contempt of the regime in public speeches and online statements
Destruction of public property
Dissemination of false and misleading statements to undermine public security and harm public interest
Incitement against naturalized Bahrainis and encouraging their contempt
Incitement through public speeches and online statements against compliance with the law
Incitement to participate in public gatherings to commit acts of arson, destruction and resistance to the authorities
The use of force and violence against a government employee to prevent him from carrying his duty
