Bahrain announced yesterday the arrest of leading members of the radical opposition February 14 Revolution Youth Coalition, an influential clandestine cyber-group accused of links to Iran.
“After an extensive investigation, several members of the February 14 terrorist organization were identified ... (and) the main actors who took part in criminal acts have been arrested,” the Interior Ministry said.
The group has been the main motor behind disturbances that began in 2011.
The ministry said the group’s spiritual leader is Hadi Al-Mudaressi, a leading cleric living in the Iraqi city of Karbala, and said he “provided divisive sectarian support to the organization.”
It named 11 of those arrested, saying they had played prominent roles in the coalition inside Bahrain, and said other members were still being sought.
The ministry said local members of the group mainly recruit people who coordinate with subgroups that allegedly plan and carry out bombings and transfer weapons.
They also oversee media relations and select “agents to be sent abroad for training,” and secure houses that shelter wanted suspects.
The ministry also named 13 people it said were leading the coalition from abroad, some of whom are based in London.
Among them is Saeed Abdulnabi Al-Shahabi, “who is responsible for coordination with Iranian leaders.”
Bahrain dismantles pro-Iran group
