Court fines witness BD100 for absence

The Supreme Appeals Court yesterday fined a witness BD100 for failing to attend the appeal hearing of the case of a Secretary-General of a political society convicted of disseminating false news about the ongoing Saudi-led military operation in Yemen.

National Democratic Assembly (Al Wahdawi) Secretary-General Fadhel Abbas was sentenced to five years behind bars after he was found guilty of spreading false news and promoting a propaganda that could damage the war effort, questioning Bahrain’s political stance on war and defaming other countries taking part in the Saudi-led air strikes against Huthi rebels.

The coalition countries launched air strikes against Huthi rebels in Yemen in March after Shia militias sought to topple the Yemeni Government led by President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

Abbas allegedly described the joint operation in Yemen as an ‘invasion’ and ‘act of aggression’ on social media networks on March 26. He was arrested the following day. However, he pleaded not guilty earlier. His lawyer Abdullah Al Shamlawi earlier argued that his client did not breach the law, claiming Bahrain’s constitution backed him up. His hearing was adjourned yesterday until April 25.

It’s worth noting that Abbas’ deputy in the society, Mohammed Al Motawa, is also standing trial in connection with the case.