Bahrain sends 169 to trial for setting up ‘terror’ cell

MANAMA

Bahraini authorities on Tuesday referred 169 people to court after charging them with trying to set up a “Bahraini Hezbollah” organization in the kingdom, according to media reports.

“Following investigations, 169 defendants, including 111 now in custody, were referred to trial,” the Bahrain News Agency reported, citing Ahmed al-Hammadi, Bahrain’s chief prosecutor for crime.

The defendants face a host of charges, including membership in a terrorist group, attempted murder, training in the use of firearms and explosives, and illegal weapons possession.

A trial session before Bahrain’s Fourth High Criminal Court is set to take place on Oct. 3.

“Public prosecutors received a report from the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) regarding the formation of a terrorist cell inside Bahrain at the behest of Iranian regime leaders,” the news agency reported.

Bahrain frequently accuses Iran of interfering in its internal affairs -- an allegation Tehran denies.