Bahrain sentences nine to life in prison over alleged IRGC ties
The Bahraini government has handed down life sentences to nine individuals for alleged cooperation with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, marking the latest escalation in a security operation that has seen more than 60 people lose their nationality.
Bahraini authorities have sentenced nine individuals to life imprisonment for carrying out what prosecutors described as hostile and terrorist acts in cooperation with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Two additional defendants received three-year sentences for collaborating with the IRGC in activities termed terrorist and espionage-related, according to state media reports released on Sunday.
The convictions form part of a broadened security crackdown by Bahraini officials on individuals accused of ties to Tehran. This judicial action follows a wave of Iranian strikes on Gulf neighbours after the United States and Israel launched a war on Iran in late February. Iran has stated it is targeting American interests, including military bases, in response to the conflict.
Prosecutors alleged that some defendants photographed vital and strategic sites in Bahrain on behalf of the IRGC. Others were accused of facilitating the transfer of funds from Iran to Bahrain, including through cryptocurrency transactions, to finance operations. Authorities also claimed that individuals within the country were recruited to support these plans.
The judicial proceedings are the latest phase of a security operation that began in March. Earlier this month, Bahraini authorities detained a further 41 people allegedly linked to Iran. Less than two weeks later, more than 60 individuals were stripped of their citizenship for allegedly supporting Iranian attacks and colluding with foreign entities.
The London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy condemned the citizenship revocations, describing the move as dangerous and a clear violation of international law. Bahrain is home to a large Shia population, many of whom have long accused the authorities of political and economic marginalisation. The government denies discriminating against Shia citizens, instead accusing Iran of fuelling unrest in the country.
Other Gulf states have also moved to arrest individuals accused of cooperating with Iran. Last month, the United Arab Emirates announced it had dismantled a group allegedly planning to carry out terrorist acts.
