Latest news with #CybercrimeProsecution
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Two Social Media Users Jailed for Violating Public Decency Laws in Bahrain
Bahrain's Third Minor Criminal Court has sentenced two individuals to six months in prison and fined each BD 200 for misusing their public social media accounts by posting content deemed offensive to public morals and societal values. The ruling also includes the confiscation of the mobile phones used in the incidents. One of the defendants was acquitted of an additional charge related to inciting immoral behavior. According to the Head of the Cybercrime Prosecution, the two cases were unrelated but both involved the public sharing of inappropriate content on widely followed social media accounts. The content was said to contradict Bahrain's public decency standards and violate applicable laws. The Public Prosecution received two separate reports from the Cybercrime Department at the Ministry of Interior, which had monitored accounts publishing or promoting material considered contrary to the country's ethical and legal standards. Following investigations, the suspects were identified and arrested. During questioning, both admitted to the charges. They were held in custody and referred to court, where the verdict was delivered today. The Head of the Cybercrime Prosecution emphasized that today's sentences serve as a deterrent not only to the individuals involved but also to others who may consider using public platforms to share inappropriate content. She also reminded the public that using social media comes with legal and ethical responsibilities, and that everyone must abide by the law and respect the values of Bahraini society.
Gulf Insider
06-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
More People Misusing Social Media In Bahrain – WhatsApp Tops The List
Recent data has revealed a noticeable rise in cases related to the misuse of communication tools especially social media in Bahrain over the past few years. In the last three years alone, the Public Prosecution has handled around 3,683 cases involving the misuse of communication platforms. In 2024, 1,408 cases were filed under the Cybercrime Prosecution, marking a 7% increase compared to 2023 (which saw 1,314 cases), while 2022 had just 961 cases. In response to the growing threat of online offenses, Attorney General Dr. Ali bin Fadhel Al Buainain issued a decision in November 2022 to establish a dedicated Cybercrime Prosecution Unit. The aim was to better keep up with the evolving nature of digital crimes, speed up investigations, and strengthen the handling of digital evidence. More recently, this unit has dealt with a large number of cases where individuals—both citizens and residents—were found to be misusing social media to spread values and behaviors that are considered foreign to Bahraini society. Legal experts and lawyers voiced their support for the steps taken by the Public Prosecution and the Ministry of Interior's Cybercrime Directorate. They also agreed that, as social media usage continues to grow, stricter laws are needed to protect society from its misuse. According to new statistics compiled by Al-Ayam, WhatsApp was involved in over half of all social media abuse cases handled since 2022. Out of 2,521 total cases related to social media misuse during this period, 1,321 were linked to WhatsApp, accounting for 52% of the total. In second place was Instagram, with 605 cases (24%). TikTok came in third with 181 cases, followed by Facebook (163 cases), and X (formerly Twitter) with just 65 cases.
Daily Tribune
05-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
More People Misusing Social Media in Bahrain – WhatsApp Tops the List
Recent data has revealed a noticeable rise in cases related to the misuse of communication tools especially social media in Bahrain over the past few years. In the last three years alone, the Public Prosecution has handled around 3,683 cases involving the misuse of communication platforms. In 2024, 1,408 cases were filed under the Cybercrime Prosecution, marking a 7% increase compared to 2023 (which saw 1,314 cases), while 2022 had just 961 cases. In response to the growing threat of online offenses, Attorney General Dr. Ali bin Fadhel Al Buainain issued a decision in November 2022 to establish a dedicated Cybercrime Prosecution Unit. The aim was to better keep up with the evolving nature of digital crimes, speed up investigations, and strengthen the handling of digital evidence. More recently, this unit has dealt with a large number of cases where individuals—both citizens and residents—were found to be misusing social media to spread values and behaviors that are considered foreign to Bahraini society. Legal experts and lawyers voiced their support for the steps taken by the Public Prosecution and the Ministry of Interior's Cybercrime Directorate. They also agreed that, as social media usage continues to grow, stricter laws are needed to protect society from its misuse. According to new statistics compiled by Al-Ayam, WhatsApp was involved in over half of all social media abuse cases handled since 2022. Out of 2,521 total cases related to social media misuse during this period, 1,321 were linked to WhatsApp, accounting for 52% of the total. In second place was Instagram, with 605 cases (24%). TikTok came in third with 181 cases, followed by Facebook (163 cases), and X (formerly Twitter) with just 65 cases.
Gulf Insider
04-06-2025
- General
- Gulf Insider
Court Sentences Two Expats To Six Months In Jail
The Chief of the Cybercrime Prosecution announced that the Third Minor Criminal Court has swiftly issued a verdict sentencing two Asian nationals to six months in prison, with immediate enforcement, confiscation of their mobile phones, and permanent deportation from the Kingdom of Bahrain following the completion of their sentence. The case emerged after the Public Prosecution received a report from the Cybercrime Directorate under the General Directorate for Combating Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security. The report indicated that a video clip had been circulating on social media platforms showing the two individuals engaging in acts deemed indecent and offensive to public morals and contrary to Bahraini social values and traditions. The content was also seen as inciting public immorality. Following the report, the Public Prosecution promptly ordered the arrest of the suspects. During interrogation, both individuals confessed to the charges against them. They were placed in provisional detention for seven days, after which the prosecution referred them to the criminal court on an urgent basis, demanding the maximum penalty and their permanent removal from the country. The court issued its ruling in a single session, convicting the accused and enforcing the penalties as requested by the prosecution. Also read: Gulf Air Touches Down In Nairobi After Over A Decade
Daily Tribune
04-06-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Court Sentences Two Expats to Six Months in Jail and Deportation Over Indecent Video
The Chief of the Cybercrime Prosecution announced that the Third Minor Criminal Court has swiftly issued a verdict sentencing two Asian nationals to six months in prison, with immediate enforcement, confiscation of their mobile phones, and permanent deportation from the Kingdom of Bahrain following the completion of their sentence. The case emerged after the Public Prosecution received a report from the Cybercrime Directorate under the General Directorate for Combating Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security. The report indicated that a video clip had been circulating on social media platforms showing the two individuals engaging in acts deemed indecent and offensive to public morals and contrary to Bahraini social values and traditions. The content was also seen as inciting public immorality. Following the report, the Public Prosecution promptly ordered the arrest of the suspects. During interrogation, both individuals confessed to the charges against them. They were placed in provisional detention for seven days, after which the prosecution referred them to the criminal court on an urgent basis, demanding the maximum penalty and their permanent removal from the country. The court issued its ruling in a single session, convicting the accused and enforcing the penalties as requested by the prosecution.
