Jeddah, Jul 27 (Arab News): Bahrain on Wednesday charged 60 people, including 24 in absentia, with forming a terrorist organization, reported the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

They face a mass trial, scheduled to open on Aug. 22, for charges including the formation of a terrorist group, training in the use of weapons and explosives with the aim of carrying out terrorist attacks and the deliberate killing of policemen, said Ahmed Al-Hammadi, head of anti-terror prosecution.

Investigations revealed that the terrorist group received training in Iran and Iraq in the military camps of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to undermine the stability of Bahrain, the BNA reported. The men charged with terrorism also carried out armed robberies to finance their criminal activities. They also assisted and harbored convicts and runaway inmates.

According to the Criminal Investigation Directorate’s (CID) minutes of investigation, the case involves the escape of 10 inmates from the Reform and Rehabilitation Centre in Jau Prison on Jan. 1. A prison guard was killed in the escape attempt.

According to the BNA, thirteen of the defendants have fled to Iran, Iraq and Germany.

Security operations against the group led to the confiscation of a huge cache of arms and explosives. Some of those arrested in security swoops have reportedly confessed to committing terrorism in Bahrain.