Probe launched into Twitter insult of Bahrain king

Manama: An investigation into reports four people insulted the king on their social network accounts has been launched, Bahrain’s public prosecution said.

The reports were issued by the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, Ahmad Bucheeri, the head of the Public Prosecution, said.

“The four men were quizzed and charged with slander against HM the King on their Twitter accounts. They will be held in custody for seven days and will face an urgent trial before the criminal court,” he said.

None of the four suspects was named.

“We do stress that freedom of opinion and expression for everyone is guaranteed by the constitution, laws and international covenants. However, legal restraints within a democratic society are understood to mean that this freedom should not clash with the social precepts and traditions and that any transgression is punished by law. The public prosecution will use all legal means to address violations with determination,” Bucheeri said.