Six terror suspects jailed for life

Manama, Jan. 29 (BNA): The High Criminal Court today sentenced six suspects to life in jail and one to three years, along with a BD 200 fine, and acquitted two, Chief Prosecutor of the Terror Crimes Prosecution, Mishaal Al-Mannai said. The court ordered the defendants to pay BD 1,551 in compensation for the damage caused and the confiscation of the seized items. The suspects were put on trial on charges of attempted murder, carrying out a blast, using explosives and illegally possessing ammunition for terror purposes. They were also found guilty of participation in an illegal gathering, rioting and possession of incendiary devices. Case documents reveal that the Terror Crimes Prosecution was notified on February 12, 2016 that a group of individuals took part in a rally attacked policemen and lured them to the site where they had placed an explosive device. They detonated the device when the security personnel drew near in their attempt to kill policemen and cause panic and chaos across the country. Investigation conducted by the relevant security authorities led to the identification of the perpetrators and the arrest of one of them. The Public Prosecution relied in substantiating the charges on testimonies from evidence witnesses, the confessions of one suspect, and forensic reports. The suspects were referred to the High Criminal Court, which deliberated the case, in the presence of their defence lawyers, the Chief Prosecutor said, adding that the defendants had been afforded full legal guarantees throughout the trial. Under Bahrain's laws, the suspects have the right to challenge the court ruling at the High Court of Appeals within the deadline prescribed by the law. They may also challenge the verdict of the Court of Appeals at the Court of Cassation.