Senior District Attorney Abdulrahman Al-Sayyed announced that Nabeel Ahmed Abdul Rasul Rajab had appeared before the Lower Criminal Court to face charges of inciting illegal rallies and marches online by using social networking websites.
The activist was arrested at the Bahrain International Airport upon arrival from Lebanon on Saturday and he was produced before the court.
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. Evidence has been compiled on the defendant’s role in instigating online acts such as targeting policemen while on duty that has resulted in serious injuries.
The Interior Ministry filed a complaint with the Public Prosecution against Rajab who allegedly posted defamatory and humiliating depictions of the public security forces. Appearing before the Lower Criminal Court today, 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 today, but would not answer any questions about the charges leveled against him, saying that he refused to recognize the court.
The Lower Criminal ordered him to be held in custody for seven days pending investigation.