Manama: A Bahraini activist has been remanded in custody for one week as authorities investigate his case.
Nabeel Ahmad Abdulrasul Rajab, who was arrested on Saturday upon his return from Lebanon, appeared the next day before the Lower Criminal Court to face charges of using social networking sites to incite illegal rallies and marches.
"A police investigation also revealed that the defendant's cyber incitement proved detrimental to public security as it fuelled rioting, road blocking, arson, acts of sabotage targeting public and private properties, and the use of petrol bombs and incendiary devices," Abdul Rahman Al Sayyed, senior Prosecution Attorney, said. "Evidence has been compiled on the defendant's role in instigating online acts such as targeting on duty policemen that has resulted in serious injuries."
A complaint was filed by the interior ministry against Rajab for allegedly posting defamatory and humiliating depictions of the public security forces, he said. "Appearing before the Lower Criminal Court, he admitted posting the defamatory and humiliating material on his account, but was non-compliant during further detailed questioning. The defendant stood for the arraignment in the presence of his lawyer, but he did not answer any questions about the charges leveled against him, saying that he refused to recognise the court."
The cabinet on Sunday requested its ministries and agencies to take legal measures against figures who "promote violence" and "use mosques to incite sectarianism and to encourage people to break the law, undermine constitutional institutions and harm the national economy through imposing a selective view on all segments of the society."
"There is absolutely no compromise on the nation's security, unity, achievements and vital interests," the cabinet said in a statement following its weekly session. "There would be no immunity for anyone who undermines national security or unity."
