Bahrain Terrorism Case: 41 Suspects Held Over Alleged Iran's Revolutionary Guard-Linked Organisation

MANAMA, May 31: The Head of the Terrorist Crimes Prosecution stated that the Public Prosecution launched investigations into the main organisation linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Wilayat al-Faqih ideology, formed by members of the dissolved Islamic Scholars Council.

He noted that the organisation promoted the Wilayat al-Faqih ideology and extremist concepts advocating allegiance to the Supreme Leader in Iran over loyalty to the nation and its constitutional order, to facilitate Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Investigations revealed that the organisation sought to gain control over mosques, matams and religious seminaries and exploit their platforms to promote the Wilayat al-Faqih ideology, in addition to delivering inciting speeches against national interests. It also recruited individuals to join the organisation, participate in its activities, study the Wilayat al-Faqih doctrine in Iran and promote it in Bahrain.

The investigations further revealed that the organisation practised systematic intimidation against religious figures opposed to the Wilayat al-Faqih ideology through the issuance of fatwas against them, marginalisation, intellectual intimidation and threats of violence.

The organisation also collected funds to support its activities and finance the promotion of the Wilayat al-Faqih ideology and allegiance to the Supreme Leader in Iran on religious and political grounds, in addition to fuelling unrest and committing acts of terrorism, rioting and sabotage.

The Head of the Terrorist Crimes Prosecution stated that the Public Prosecution had interrogated the 41 suspects arrested in connection with the case in the presence of lawyers representing some of them, while ensuring all legally mandated guarantees were provided.

The Public Prosecution ordered their detention pending investigation.

He added that orders had been issued to lift the confidentiality of the suspects' bank accounts and freeze their accounts and assets.

The investigations led to the seizure of numerous publications promoting the Wilayat al-Faqih ideology, in addition to sums of money.

Investigations also revealed the suspects' involvement in crimes affecting national security and public safety, including financial crimes.The investigations further revealed that funds had been collected to finance the organisation, with part of the money transferred to Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to support and finance terrorist organisations there.

It was also established that some suspects had personally benefited from the funds collected, using them for private purposes, including the purchase of gold jewellery, real estate, vehicles, and covering their children's educational expenses.

The investigations remain ongoing, and the Public Prosecution will issue a statement on the findings upon completion of the investigations.