MANAMA(RAHNUMA): Bahrain’s interior ministry said on Monday that the Gulf kingdom revoked the citizenship of 69 individuals for their support of Iran after weeks of Iranian attacks on Gulf states beginning in late February.
The ministry in a statement listed the dozens stripped of their citizenship, which it said included dependents, adding they “were found to have supported hostile Iranian acts, including colluding with foreign entities.”
The measure was taken pursuant to Article (10/3) of the Bahraini Citizenship Law, the Bahrain News Agency reported.
The law provides for the revocation of nationality “in the event of causing harm to the interests of the Kingdom or acting in a manner inconsistent with the duty of loyalty to it,” and based on a submission by the Minister of Interior to the Cabinet, BNA added.
The news agency also said the relevant authorities would take all necessary steps to implement the decision in accordance with the Kingdom’s laws, while authorities will continue to examine and review those who merit the honor of Bahraini nationality and those who do not.
Iran launched waves of missile and drones against Gulf states including Bahrain in response to US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic that began on February 28.
Tehran accused them of allowing the US to use their territory as launchpads for strikes.
The Iranian attacks, which targeted US military bases in the region as well as critical infrastructure in the Gulf states, have halted since a fragile April 8 ceasefire announced by Washington and Tehran.
The move by Bahrain comes as Gulf countries are on high alert over Iranian infiltration, with Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE cracking down on what they call Iran-related networks.
