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Bahrain charges 13 with ‘terrorism’

Bahrain charges 13 with ‘terrorism’
Bahrain’s attorney general said 13 people have been charged with terrorism offenses, over suspected ties to a 2011 protest movement. (Photo / Asharq Al-Awsat)
Updated 30 August 2018

Bahrain charges 13 with ‘terrorism’

Bahrain charges 13 with ‘terrorism’

DUBAI: Bahrain’s attorney general on Thursday said 13 people have been charged with terrorism offenses.
“Charges of forming and funding a terrorist cell have been filed against six persons in custody and another seven charged in absentia,” said attorney general Ahmad Al-Hamadi.
Hamadi said the 13 had ties to Bahrain’s so-called “February 14 Coalition” movement that emerged in 2011, which the Kingdom already announced it has ties with Iran.
In January, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry claimed that the group’s Twitter account was an Iranian account and was being managed from Iran, and as a result, a number of individuals were arrested and prosecuted.
The Director-General of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science said in a statement that the Cyber Crime Directorate had found out that “the account of the terrorist group was being operated and managed from Iran.”
The group will also face charges of targeting police in a trial which is due to open on September 19.
Bahrain accuses Iran of supporting the opposition in a bid to overthrow the government, but Tehran denies involvement.
A key ally of Washington, Bahrain is home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.