Bahraini actress held for posting ‘obscene videos’ on social media

A Bahraini actress has been detained for posting obscene videos and pictures of herself on Instagram and Snapchat. The Public Prosecution confirmed in a statement issued yesterday that the 31-year-old’s trial at the concerned criminal court has been set on August 14, 2019.

According to Capital Governorate Prosecution Deputy Attorney General Ahmed Al Ansari, the case was reported to the Public Prosecution by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science. He said the woman had posted videos of herself on social media networks while “committing indecent actions”. Mr Al Ansari stated that the prosecution immediately launched an investigation into the matter and apprehended the woman, who confessed to the crime during the interrogation. “She justified her actions by saying she was seeking fame,” he revealed.

Mr Al Ansari clarified further: “The Public Prosecution ordered to detain the suspect and referred her to the concerned criminal court, which announced that her trial will be on August14, 2019.” “The Public Prosecution calls upon the public to refrain from circulating, publishing or promoting such posts, considering the public moral and ethical values, as this is considered as crimes that are strictly punished by the law, and the devices used in committing such crimes will be confiscated,” he added. The suspect introduces herself on social media as a junior actress.

Despite the wide criticism she received from followers because of her “obscenity”, the woman continued posting videos and pictures of herself in immodest clothes and while performing indecent actions and dances. Many netizens demanded the authorities to curb the woman’s actions and hold her accountable, especially after she clearly challenged them in one of the videos she posted on her Instagram page.

However, after Interior Ministry announced the woman’s arrest on Monday, all of the obscene content on her page was removed. No further details were available.