Daijiworld Media Network - Manama

Manama, May 24: Bahrain has sentenced nine people to life imprisonment for allegedly carrying out “hostile and terrorist acts” in cooperation with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to state media reports.

Two other defendants were sentenced to three years in prison each after being convicted of collaborating with the IRGC in activities described by prosecutors as terrorism and espionage.

The convictions come amid an intensified crackdown by Bahraini authorities on individuals accused of having links with Iran following the recent regional conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Authorities alleged that some of the accused photographed strategic and sensitive sites in Bahrain on behalf of the IRGC, while others facilitated the transfer of funds from Iran through various channels, including cryptocurrency transactions, to finance operations.

Prosecutors also claimed that individuals inside Bahrain were recruited to support the alleged plans.

Bahrain reportedly began arresting suspects linked to Iran in March after regional tensions escalated. Earlier this month, authorities detained 41 more people, while over 60 individuals were stripped of their citizenship for allegedly supporting Iranian attacks and colluding with foreign entities.

The Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy criticised the citizenship revocations, describing the move as dangerous and a violation of international law.

Other Gulf countries have also taken action against alleged Iran-linked networks. Last month, the United Arab Emirates announced that it had dismantled a group allegedly planning terrorist activities.

Bahrain, which has a large Shia population, has long faced allegations of political and economic discrimination from sections of the community. The Bahraini government denies the accusations and has repeatedly accused Iran of fuelling unrest in the kingdom.