What spying charges were upheld against 19 Shiites?

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Supreme Court Upholds Spying Convictions Against 19 Shiites

Bahrain's supreme court has upheld lengthy jail sentences against 19 Shiite individuals convicted of spying for Iran and plotting to overthrow the regime. The court confirmed life imprisonment for eight of the defendants, 15-year prison terms for nine, and 10-year sentences for two others. Furthermore, the citizenship of 15 of these individuals was revoked as part of the ruling.
Charges of Spying and Plotting to Overthrow the Regime

The 19 Shiites were found guilty of leaking sensitive information to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran in Lebanon. These actions constituted a direct breach of national security by providing intelligence to foreign entities.
Receiving Material Support from Foreign Forces

In addition to leaking information, the group was convicted of receiving "material support" from both Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah. This support is understood to have facilitated their alleged espionage activities and their efforts to undermine the Bahraini government.
Broader Context of Crackdown on Dissent

These convictions and upheld sentences occur within a wider context of intensified action against dissent in Bahrain. Authorities have significantly increased their crackdown on opposition movements since the mass street protests of 2011, which had called for greater political reforms, including an elected prime minister and a constitutional monarchy in the Sunni-ruled kingdom.

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What spying charges were upheld against 19 Shiites?

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