A Bahraini court has handed down prison sentences of up to ten years to ten individuals found guilty of using social media to support Iranian attacks against the kingdom. The High Criminal Court, which addressed nine separate cases on May 12, also imposed fines of 2,000 dinars on several defendants, with three individuals facing permanent deportation once their prison terms conclude. The charges centered on the endorsement of hostile acts, as well as the illegal collection and dissemination of sensitive, restricted data and prohibited imagery of secure locations.

The legal proceedings followed a thorough investigation by the nation’s Cybercrime Unit, which identified accounts sharing content deemed a threat to public stability and national security. Officials utilized technical experts to analyze seized electronic devices and verify the defendants' involvement. In response to the rulings, Bahraini authorities emphasized that while free expression is a protected right, it does not extend to activity that jeopardizes the country’s safety. They have issued a firm reminder to all citizens and residents to engage with online platforms responsibly to ensure the ongoing security of the nation.