Bahrain's High Criminal Court held its first hearing [6] July 5 in a national security case involving 19 defendants accused of forming and operating a terrorist organization allegedly linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The case concerns 19 individuals, of whom 11 are currently in custody and eight remain at large. Prosecutors allege the group sought to destabilize Bahrain’s constitutional order, obstruct government institutions, undermine national unity, and ultimately overthrow the constitutional system. The defendants are accused of creating and managing an organization aimed at achieving these objectives through unlawful means.
Prosecutors further allege [8] that the group attempted to influence religious gatherings, including ma'atam (ritual mourning in Shia tradition), and places of worship, using them to promote its ideology and encourage opposition to the Bahraini government. The alleged activities included efforts to spread political messaging aligned with wilayat al-faqih [9], a governance theory associated with Iran's cleric-led political system. Prosecutors also charge that communication between the defendants and individuals linked to the IRGC were part of a coordinated effort to alter Bahrain’s political system.
The defendants are reported to have denied all charges.
The 19 defendants [10] were among 41 people arrested in May in connection with the same investigation. Some individuals have already received life sentences [11] in relation to alleged IRGC-linked spying and sabotage [12].
The next court hearing in the current case is scheduled for July 12.
From JURIST [13], July 6. Used with permission. Internal links added.
