A man accused of actively participating in riots in Bahrain claims he was abducted and forced to participate in riots, The Daily Tribune News of Bahrain reported.
The defendant was arrested for participating in the riot in Samaheej, where the protesters set tyres on fire. He admitted to attending the riot, but said that he was kidnapped and threatened to participate.
“I was kidnapped a few days before the incident by masked men. They told me if I don’t take part in the riot, I will be in trouble. I didn’t tell the police because I was afraid I will be beaten by them.” The Daily Tribune News of Bahrain quoted his statement to the prosecutors as saying.
He added that he tried to flee but was told by the masked men that they would hurt his family.
The High Criminal Court, however, stated that there are evidence that suggest he was already involved in several riots before the most recent one—a reason he was charged with rioting and arson for burning the tyres.
