Verdict for terror suspects upheld

Manama, Dec. 25 (BNA): Chief of the Terror Crime Prosecution Advocate General Chancellor Dr. Ahmed Al Hammadi said the High Court of Appeal upheld unanimously today a verdict handed down to 32 suspects for causing a blast in Abu Saiba that killed a security officer and injured many others and many civilians. On February 1, 2018, the High Criminal Court sentenced one suspect to death, thirteen suspects to life in jail, eight suspects to fifteen years in prison, two suspects to five years and two suspects to three years. It also ruled to revoke the Bahraini citizenship of 25 suspects and seize the confiscated items. The court also ruled that 22 suspects pay compensation for the damage caused in the blast. Earlier, the Public Prosecution received a notification from the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) on the explosion of two explosive devices in Abu Saiba on August 28, 2015. A security officer was killed and many others and many civilians were injured in the blast. Some of the security officers' cars as well as private ones were damaged in the incident. A number of suspects were arrested on August 29, 2015. Investigations showed that 32 suspects were implicated in the incident. 20 suspects were arrested and referred to the Public Prosecution. They admitted to setting up a terrorist group, causing a blast, killing and attempted murder of the security officers. The Public Prosecution relied in its investigation on testimonies of the security officers, eye-witnesses, the suspects' confession, technical reports and photographed evidences. The suspects were referred to the High Criminal Court which heard the case in the presence of the suspects' lawyer and issued its afore-mentioned verdict.