Bahrain issues gag order in detained Shiite activisits' case

Bahrain has issued a gar order, banning local media from further covering a case involving a group of Shiite activists arrested this month over allegedly forming a " terrorist network," local al-Wasat newspaper reported Saturday.

"Due to secrecy required in this probe to uncover the truth in line with the kingdom's public order, Ali al-Buainain, the public prosecutor, has issued a gag order, banning all print, audio, video, online and other media outlets from publishing any news or details on the case," an unnamed source at the public prosecution' s office was quoted as saying by the paper.

"The only exception is the statements to be issued by the public prosecution in the future," the source said.

Violators of the gag could face imprisonment of up to one year or fine under the Bahraini law, the source warned.

Earlier this week, Bahrain arrested eight Shiite activists over the allegedly joining the network which aimed to incite terrorism and vandalism in the country.

Among the detainees is Abduljalil al-Singace, an outspoken critic of the government. He was arrested upon arrival from London, where he addressed a seminar at the House of Lords on the human rights situation in the Gulf state.

Bahrain is a Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom with a Shiite majority.

Source: Xinhua