Bahrain Court Jails Woman for Social Media Posts Criticising Government Entity

Manama: The Head of the Cybercrime Prosecution has announced that the Fourth Minor Criminal Court has issued a verdict sentencing a woman to six months in prison, to be served immediately, after she was found guilty of broadcasting false news and publicly insulting a government entity.

According to the Public Prosecution, the case began after a government body filed a complaint reporting that video clips posted on the defendant’s social media account contained statements that insulted the entity, cast doubt on the integrity of its employees, and aimed to stir public opinion and undermine trust in state institutions.

Prosecutors reviewed the published videos, questioned the defendant, and subsequently referred her to the competent court on charges of spreading false information and insulting a public institution. After reviewing the case, the court delivered its ruling today, convicting the defendant and issuing the six-month prison sentence.