Bahrain sentences seven for oil pipeline blast linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards

A Bahraini court sentenced seven citizens found guilty of terrorism after a connection to an attack on an oil pipeline in November last year.

Six of the seven had their citizenship revoked, while five were handed life sentences. The remaining two were sentenced to 10 and five years in jail.

They were convicted of establishing a terrorist group, using explosives and receiving weapons training and money from militants.

Two of the guilty are at large and were convicted in their absence. The High Criminal Court in Manama this week said the duo was responsible for recruiting and training the other five.

Chief prosecutor Hamad Shaheen said two of the convicts received training on the “use and making of weapons and explosives in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard camps for the purpose of committing terrorist crimes in Bahrain”.

The move comes amid a crackdown on opposition groups in Bahrain and before parliamentary elections scheduled for November 24, which will be boycotted by opposition parties.

Last year, Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed said Iran was responsible for the oil pipeline explosion. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah said the explosion took place “either through direct calls or guidance from Iran”.

Saudi Arabia suspended pumping oil to Bahrain after the attacks in the Buri area but resumed operations shortly after.

The blast caused damage to the pipeline worth about 65,000 Bahraini dinars, or Dh634,873.

Nearby houses were damaged and footage from the scene showed an enormous fireball lighting up the night sky. No one was injured in the explosion.

In September, courts in the country prosecuted 169 people suspected of being part of a militant group the judiciary called the “Bahraini Hezbollah”.

Last year, Bahrain handed down life sentences to 10 men on charges of plotting attacks against the state. Three of these were sentenced in their absence after fleeing to Iran.