Activist's prison term reduced spreading rumours

Manama : The General Secretary of a local political society convicted of spreading false news about the Saudi-led operation in Yemen had his jail term reduced on appeal. 

National Democratic Assembly (Al Wahdawi) Secretary-General Fadhel Abbas was sentenced to five years behind bars after he was found guilty of spreading false news and promoting a propaganda that could damage the war effort, questioning Bahrain’s political stance on war. 

However, the Supreme Appeals Court reduced his prison term to three years.  

The coalition countries launched air strikes against Huthi rebels in Yemen in March, 2015 after Shia militias sought to topple the Yemeni Government led by President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

 Abbas was arrested after he described the joint operation in Yemen as an ‘invasion’ and an ‘act of aggression’ on social media networks.

 His lawyer Abdullah Al Shamlawi earlier argued that his client did not breach the law, claiming Bahrain’s constitution backed him up. 

Abbas’ deputy in the society, Mohammed Al Motawa is also standing trial in connection with the same case.

 He has been charged with intentionally spreading false and malicious data that would harm armed military operations, and publicly insulting foreign countries.