Manama: Authorities in Bahrain have arrested six expatriates for allegedly filming and sharing videos praising Iranian missile and drone strikes on social media. The posts were considered misleading amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The arrests were confirmed by the Interior Ministry of Bahrain, which said the suspects were identified after their videos went viral online.
5 Pakistani, 1 Bangladeshi nationals arrested
Among those arrested are five Pakistani nationals — Afzal Khan, Mohammed Moaz Akbar, Ahmed Mumtaz, Arslan Ali Sajjad and Abdul Rahman Abdul Sattar. A sixth suspect, Mohamed Israfel Meer, is a Bangladeshi national.
Authorities said that the group recorded and circulated footage of missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran at several locations and posted the clips online.
The suspects were identified by the Anti-Cybercrime Directorate, which operates under the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security. The unit launched an investigation after the videos began circulating on social media.
According to the interior ministry, the individuals used their accounts to express sympathy for Iran and glorify the strikes.
Authorities said the content contained “misleading” information and had the potential to cause alarm among residents. Officials said such activity could spread confusion during a sensitive period.
Amid the ongoing regional tensions, Bahraini authorities said surveillance of online platforms has been intensified. Officials warned residents, both citizens and expatriates, against posting or sharing unauthorised content related to the conflict.
The interior ministry urged the public to exercise caution and avoid circulating sensitive material, particularly videos, images or information connected to the conflict or national security.
The suspects have been referred to the Public Prosecution.