Spreading false news court hearing on June 27

Manama: The closing arguments in the case of a political society functionary convicted of spreading false news about the ongoing Saudi-led military operation in Yemen will be delivered on June 27.

National Democratic Assembly (Al Wahdawi) Secretary-General Fadhel Abbas was sentenced to five years in jail after he questioned Bahrain’s political stance on war and defaming other countries taking part in the Saudi-led air strikes against Huthi rebels.

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

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

He has been charged with intentionally spreading false and malicious data that would harm armed military operations, and publicly insulting foreign countries.