Bahraini Lawyer Faces Trial for Social Media Post Insulting MP

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A Bahraini lawyer is set to appear before the Lower Criminal Court this week, facing charges of defamation and insulting a member of parliament (MP) through a social media post. The case arises from a formal complaint lodged by the MP following the publication of a video containing allegedly defamatory remarks.

Sources close to the case indicate that the MP's complaint details the lawyer's alleged posting of a video on a social media platform. This video, according to the complaint, contained statements considered insulting and defamatory towards the MP.

The timing of the post is particularly noteworthy, as it reportedly coincided with the recent by-elections held in Muharraq Governorate last year after former MP Mohammed Al Hussaini lost his seat due to a dual citizenship, suggesting a possible connection to the political climate surrounding the elections. The election was eventually won by Abdulwahid Qarata.

The Public Prosecution has concluded its investigation into the matter. This investigation included taking a formal statement from the MP, the complainant in this case.

Furthermore, the prosecution thoroughly reviewed the video content at the centre of the dispute, analysing its content for potentially illegal material. After a comprehensive review of the evidence, the Public Prosecution decided to refer the lawyer to the Lower Criminal Court for trial.

The court is scheduled to commence hearings in the middle of this week. At this time, specific details regarding the content of the video and the precise legal charges against the lawyer remain undisclosed, pending the official commencement of the trial proceedings.