Bahrain gives life sentences to five Shi'ite Muslims for Iran-linked militancy
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 November 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Bahrain gives life sentences to five Shi'ite Muslims for Iran-linked militancy, 5 November 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56813cefc.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 05, 2015
A court in Bahrain has sentenced five Shi'ites convicted of spying for Iran to life imprisonment, while also revoking their citizenship.
The verdict comes amid escalated tensions between Bahrain and Iran.
Public Prosecutor Ahmed al-Hammadi said on November 5 that the five had communicated with members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps with the aim of carrying out attacks on public buildings.
On November 4, Bahrain's Interior Ministry said it had arrested 47 members of a group thought to have links to "terrorist elements in Iran."
It said the arrests had foiled plans for imminent attacks in the kingdom.
Sunni-ruled Bahrain is a Shi'ite-majority country that has been hit by unrest since a pro-democracy uprising in February 2011.
Bahrain's Sunni leaders have repeatedly accused Iran of meddling in Bahrain's internal affairs.
Iran denies the accusations and has criticized the arrests of Shi'ite opposition figures and activists in Bahrain.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
