Two jailed for insulting Bahrain martyrs

Manama : The High Criminal Court has sentenced two Bahraini Twitter users to five years imprisonment each for spreading false news “during wartime.”

The duo, tried in two separate cases, are said to have broadcast fake rumours about the ongoing Saudi-led military operation against the Huthi rebels in Yemen.

The first defendant is said to have posted insulting comments on Twitter against the Bahraini soldiers taking part in the operation as well as those who were martyred for the country.

According to the court documents, he posted more than 80,000 insulting tweets against the soldiers and martyrs.

Following the conclusion of investigations, the police have arrested the man and charged him with spreading false news that could put the ongoing military operations at risk. He is also charged with defaming a sect in Bahrain.

The second defendant publicised similar tweets as well. Their comments have been deemed by authorities as threats to the operation as well as causing panic among the public.