Public Prosecution launches inquiry; suspects remanded in custody

Manama, July 26 (BNA): The Terror Crimes Prosecution has started its investigation into the case of explosives, weapons and ammunitions confiscated during an attempt to smuggle them into the Kingdom of Bahrain by sea from Iran. Advocate General, Acting Attorney General to the Terror Crime Prosecution Hamad Al-Buainain said that the inquiry was launched following a notification from the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Forensic Evidence. The investigation has revealed that the accused who were arrested had joined a terror group that smuggled explosives, weapons and ammunitions by sea to be used in perpetrating terrorist acts inside the Kingdom of Bahrain. Al-Buainain said that some of the suspects travelled to Iran, in coordination with some individuals based there, and were trained there on using firearms, making explosives and smuggling them into Bahrain. He pointed out that the accused have managed to smuggle explosives, weapons and ammunitions into Bahrain several times since 2013. Al-Buainain said that the accused arranged the maritime and land transport and financing necessary to carry out their designs. He pointed that the latest smuggling attempt was foiled on July 15, adding that two accused have been arrested, alongside three other suspects in connection with the terrorist group. The Terror Crimes Prosecution questioned the five accused who were arrested in connection with the case and ordered them to be held in custody pending further investigations. The Terror Crimes Prosecution charged them with collaborating with suspects who worked for a foreign country to perpetrate hostile acts against the Kingdom of Bahrain and with belonging to terrorist group. It also charged them with receiving training on using weapons and explosives, smuggling weapons and explosives and illegally possessing explosives, weapons and ammunitions with the intent of carrying out terrorist acts and ordered them to be taken in custody for 15 days pending further investigations. The Terror Crimes Prosecution has also commissioned a forensic expert to examine the seized explosives, weapons and ammunitions to confirm their types, calibers, explosive capacity and to download the content of the electronic equipment used by the accused in carrying out their activities.