Five individuals sentenced for espionage, terrorism offences

Manama, Nov. 5 (BNA): The General Advocate for Terror Crime Prosecution, Attorney Ahmed Al Hammadi, today said that five individuals have been convicted of espionage and terror-related offences and that their citizenship has been revoked. The offences included conducting espionage-related activities within Bahrain on behalf of the Iranian government, planning terrorist attacks in Bahrain, and receiving training on the use of weapons and explosives. The court sentenced two individuals to life imprisonment after investigations found they held intelligence links with Iran's Revolutionary Guard, and had planned to carry out terrorist attacks which targeted public places and financial institutions. The individuals were also found guilty of receiving bomb-making and firearms training in Iran. Three other individuals sentenced in absentia were convicted of providing material support in the form of weapons and explosives training at Iranian Revolutionary Guard camps, and providing funding to carry out terrorist activities in the Kingdom. Attorney Al Hammadi stated that the defendants' legal counsel were provided regular access to consult the defendants, and adequate time to prepare and deliver a comprehensive legal defence. The defendants retain the right to appeal the ruling.