Four Americans Arrested in Bahrain for Allegedly Providing False Information

Four Americans were arrested in Bahrain during the anniversary of the 2011 uprising for allegedly providing false information that claimed that they were tourists.

Bahrain's Interior Ministry said in its statement that three men and one woman were detained on Sunday in the island of Sitrah after some of them "were involved in illegal activities."

The statement revealed that one of the Americans was accused of covering up his or her face "with a cloth and participating in attacks on police alongside other rioters in Sitra," CNN reported.

One American was reportedly arrested in the riot and the other three were arrested at a checkpoint.

The ministry also stated that the Americans appeared to be journalists although none of them had taken the necessary registration steps to be in the country as a part of the media. International journalists wishing to work in Bahrain must get a special media visa before entering the country. Activists have repeatedly stated that the country tends to deny journalists the visas since 2011.

The Bahrain News Agency, which is run by the state, said via the Washington Post that the Americans had "been afforded full legal rights in line with the kingdom's procedures and constitution while investigations continue."

The Associated Press reported that the four U.S. nationals, who arrived in Bahrain on either Feb. 11 or Feb. 12, were there as journalists.

The U.S. embassy in Manama, Bahrain said it is "aware of the arrest" but will not be commenting on it due to privacy concerns.