Referring defendants to criminal trial for publishing fake video clips and broadcasting false news that harms public security

The head of the Bahraini Terrorist Crimes Prosecution stated that the Public Prosecution in the Kingdom ordered the referral of a number of defendants to criminal trial, for publishing fabricated video clips and broadcasting false news through social media, which would harm public security and create panic among members of society.

The Bahraini Public Prosecution had received several reports from the Department of Combating Cybercrimes, stating that as part of the monitoring and follow-up operations carried out by the Department, a number of accounts were monitored on social media sites publishing and broadcasting false news and malicious rumors related to identifying bombing sites coinciding with the acts of sinful aggression against which the Kingdom is being exposed, in addition to one of the accused publishing and circulating an artificial (fabricated) picture showing residential neighborhoods being bombed, which would cause panic. And panic among citizens and residents, as well as affecting civil peace.

Immediately upon receiving the reports, the Public Prosecution began its investigations, interrogating the accused and confronting them with the evidence against them. It also ordered an examination of the technical devices used to commit the incident, listened to its witnesses, and concluded with the provisional detention of the accused pending investigation, and referring them to criminal trial before the competent court.

The head of the Terrorist Crimes Prosecution in Bahrain stressed that exploiting social media platforms to spread false news or circulate fabricated clips that would undermine public security and spread fear among members of society is considered a serious crime that affects the security and stability of society. He stressed that the Public Prosecution will firmly confront anyone proven to be involved in such legally criminal acts. The Public Prosecution also calls on all to investigate accuracy and obtain information from its official sources, and not to be led by rumors or circulating them. In order to preserve public security and preserve civil peace and stability of the nation.