Lebanese nationals with Hezbollah ties deported

Manama, Mar. 14 (BNA): In relation to the decision by Gulf Cooperation Council countries to consider Hezbollah militias and their leaders, factions and groups as a terrorist oragnisation and the Tunisia Declaration of the Arab Interior Ministers Council of the 33rd session on March 2 that condemned illegal activities by Hezbollah to destabilise the Arab region, in addition to the decision of the Arab Foreign Ministers Council during the 45th session on March 11 to classify Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation, several Lebanese residents were deported from Bahrain. It was found that the individuals had links to, or were supporters of, Hezbollah. Meanwhile strict legal measures will be taken against organisations and individuals (citizens or residents) whose involvement with terrorist organisations can be proven. Those who possess images, slogans or symbols in sympathy with terrorist groups or provide support through investment or commercial activities will also be dealt with through the law. This is part of Bahrain’s commitment to fight terrorism financing and money laundering in coordination with all GCC countries. The Interior Ministry stressed that people should be aware of the law that penalises cooperation with or spying for a terrorist organisation. Article 12 regarding protecting the community against terrorist acts: a prison sentence shall be the penalty to be inflicted upon anyone who solicits any society, association, organization, group or gang that carries out a terrorist activity where it is based outside the country or communicates therewith or with any person who acts to serve the interest of any such groups to commit either personally or through others terrorist activities against the Kingdom of Bahrain or undertakes any terrorist activity against the interests of a foreign country inside the Kingdom or against the country’ s properties, resources, organizations or facilities abroad or its delegations, missions, diplomatic representatives or citizens during their stay out of the country. A penalty of imprisonment for a period of no less than 5 years and a fine of no less than BD3,000 and no more than the amount requested, accepted or promised shall be inflicted upon anyone who requests or accepts for himself or another any gift, benefit or promise of any of the above or through any of the aforesaid organizations or anyone who acts in the interest thereof to commit any of the acts referred to in the first Paragraph. The penalty shall be doubled if the offender is a civil servant or person charged with a public service. A penalty of imprisonment for a period of no less than 5 years and a fine of no less than BD2,000 and no more than the amount given, promised, accepted or offered shall be inflicted upon anyone who gives, promises, accepts or offers any of the above with the intent of committing any of the acts referred to in the first Paragraph without accepting his offer." The Interior Ministry asserted that it will continue through coordination with concerned authorities to fight all terrorist activities of Hezbollah through all possible means and continues to work with its worldwide partners to counter terrorism and extremism.