Society Secretary General sentenced to four years

Manama, June 16 (BNA): Bahrain Advocate General Haroon Al-Zayani has confirmed that the Higher Criminal Court sentenced the secretary general of one of Bahrain’s political societies to four years imprisonment on charges relating to publicly inciting hatred, an act which disturbed public peace, inciting non-compliance with the law and insulting public institutions. The defendant was acquitted of all other charges. The case was referred to the court following the conclusion of investigations by the Public Prosecution in view of a complaint filed against the defendant by the General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensics, which led to the defendant being charged with promoting political change using illegal forceful means and threats, in addition to inciting non-compliance with the law and insulting public institutions. The defendant was also charged with publicly inciting hatred, an act which disturbed public peace. The charges were levelled against the defendant, in full accordance with Bahrain’s Penal Code, following investigations into recordings of public speeches and sermons that promoted extremist views, which constituted a clear contravention of the law. Evidence underpinning the charges also included public statements delivered by the defendant that incited violence and encouraged the use of force against the Kingdom’s authorities, referring to such acts as a religious duty. The defendant repeatedly made public threats about the option to deploy military tactics in the Kingdom, and reiterated the possibility of resorting to this option at any time, in a similar manner to other factions and groups in the region. The defendant called on global powers to intervene in the Kingdom’s internal affairs and support the overthrow of the legitimate regime, on the grounds that it would serve their interests. Throughout the course of investigations, the Public Prosecution reviewed recordings of the defendant’s public speeches and sermons which demonstrate the clear violations of the law that have led to the charges levelled against him. The defendant was subsequently questioned on the content of these recordings in the presence of four lawyers. The evidence also included public statements made by the defendant that called for the reinstatement of the disbanded Islamic Council of Scholars, as well as incitement against naturalised Bahraini citizens by accusing them of disloyalty and terrorist acts. He further called for their deportation from Bahrain. The defendant publically announced that the opposition was offered military assistance, such as the assistance given to members of the Syrian opposition. The defendant also held meetings when abroad with groups that offered him access to arms, and that supported the call for violent unrest in Bahrain. The defendant has acknowledged the content of these statements. The defendant admitted delivering the public speeches and sermons that were highlighted by the investigation. In light of this, the Public Prosecution presented its case at the Higher Criminal Court, where the trial took place on six consecutive sessions. During the trial, the court heard the testimony of prosecution and defence witnesses. The court also facilitated the delivery of the court session’s minutes and the evidence presented at court to the defence legal team. Additionally, the court facilitated the delivery of the minutes and a full report on the evidence presented to the defendant in his place of detention. The Advocate General confirmed that the defendant had been afforded full legal rights, and provided with the opportunity to meet with his family and legal team throughout the trial. He was given the opportunity to plea and present his defence. The Advocate General confirmed that the case was adjourned until today, 16 June 2015, where the aforementioned sentence was handed down. The Advocate General confirmed that the case and its verdict are under further review by the Public Prosecution. The Public Prosecution reaffirmed the defendant’s right to appeal the verdict at a Higher Court, in accordance with due process. ENDS