Nine Bahrainis sentenced to life in prison over alleged cooperation with Irans IRGC

Bahrain Sentences Nine to Life in Prison Over Alleged Ties to IRGC

Nine individuals have been sentenced to life in prison by Bahraini authorities for allegedly carrying out “hostile and terrorist acts” in cooperation with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Two other defendants were also convicted of collaborating with the IRGC on “terrorist and espionage” activities, receiving three-year prison sentences.

The convictions follow an intensified crackdown by Bahraini authorities on individuals accused of ties to Tehran. The crackdown began shortly after a wave of Iranian strikes on Bahrain in late February, which followed the launch of a war on Iran by the United States and Israel. In response, Iran targeted all its Gulf neighbours, including Bahrain, claiming it was targeting American interests.

Prosecutors alleged that some defendants photographed strategic sites in Bahrain on behalf of the IRGC, while others were accused of facilitating financial transactions from Iran to Bahrain using cryptocurrency. Authorities also claimed that individuals within the country were recruited to support these plans.

Bahrain began arresting individuals allegedly linked to Iran in March, with a further 41 people detained earlier this month. Less than two weeks later, more than 60 people had their citizenship stripped for allegedly supporting Iranian attacks on Bahrain and collaborating with foreign entities.

The London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy described the move as “dangerous” and said it constituted a clear violation of international law. Other Gulf states have also arrested individuals accused of cooperating with Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera