Malicious rumours : Suspect remanded in custody

Manama : The trial of a suspect accused of disseminating false news against Bahrain’s armed forces has been postponed to January 23, 2017 by the High Criminal Court.

“The suspect spread rumours that could harm the military operations carried out by Bahrain’s armed forces and undermine the nation’s determination in times of war,” Chief Prosecutor Mohammed Salah stated.

The suspect is also accused of publicly insulting a number of countries and a national authority and was put on trial in conformity with Articles 133, 215, 216 of the Penal Code.

He said the court delayed the trial to allow the Public Prosecution to provide some documents. It also ordered the release of the suspect and issued a travel ban on him.

The Chief Prosecutor added that the same suspect has been also questioned by the Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate in a different case related to disseminating false documents and malicious rumours on the internal affairs of the Kingdom.

The suspect was confronted with evidence in the presence of his lawyers and was remanded in custody pending further investigations.