Authorities in Bahrain have arrested six Asian nationals, including five Pakistanis, for allegedly creating and sharing videos on social media related to the reported impact of Iranian attacks on the country, diplomatic sources said.
According to the sources, the arrests were made amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following developments involving Iran. The individuals were identified for making, publishing and re-sharing videos depicting the effects of the alleged aggression.
The suspects were detained by the Bahraini Anti-Cybercrime Directorate, while the Bahrain Ministry of Interior confirmed that the arrests were carried out under the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security.
In a statement, the ministry said the accused produced videos highlighting the impact of what it described as “treacherous attacks of Iranian aggression” and circulated them on social media platforms. Authorities alleged the content portrayed sympathy and appreciation for the hostile acts.
Officials said the dissemination of such material was considered harmful to national security and public order. The ministry added that the videos were spread through various social media accounts, which allegedly misled public opinion and caused fear and panic among citizens and residents.
Diplomatic sources said legal formalities have been completed and the suspects have been handed over to the public prosecution for further proceedings.
The arrested Pakistanis were identified as Abdul Rahman Abdul Sattar, Arsalan Ali Sajid, Muhammad Moez Akbar, Ahmed Mumtaz and Muhammed Khan. The sixth suspect, a Bangladeshi national, was named as Muhammad Israfil Mir.
Reporter: Anwer Abbass