Bahraini Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Holding Ex-Wife Hostage and Threatening Her with Violence

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A Bahraini man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the High Criminal Court for holding his ex-wife hostage for six hours and threatening to harm their daughter. The court found the man guilty of several charges, including illegal detention, assault, and possession of a controlled substance.

According to court documents, the incident began when the man approached his ex-wife while she was leaving their home. He asked to discuss their children, and she agreed to get into his car. However, she left the passenger door open, fearing he would drive away without her consent.

During the drive, the man questioned his ex-wife about her personal life and shouted at her. Their children came out of the house and called for them, but the man demanded that she close the door. Their daughter, who was on a phone call at the time, overheard the argument and was shocked when the man suddenly drove away with the door still open.

The woman put her foot on the door to prevent it from closing, but the man grabbed her hijab and hair, preventing her from jumping out. He then took a knife from the car's cup holder and held it to her back, causing her to feel pricked. He continued to shout at her to close the door and threatened her with the knife. Fearing for her safety, she pulled her foot back into the car, and the door closed due to the vehicle's speed.

The man continued to drive around for six hours, taking the woman to different locations. She repeatedly attempted to escape, but he prevented her using force. At one point, while they were stopped at a traffic light, she managed to unlock the car door and cry for help from nearby people, but no one intervened. The man then grabbed her by her hijab and hair again and held the knife to her back.

Meanwhile, their daughter was continuously calling and could hear parts of the conversation. She eventually contacted the police, who tried to reach the man but were unsuccessful. When the police called the woman, the man put the knife to her back again and ordered her not to answer. She tried to convince him to let her speak to the police, promising not to report him or press charges. However, he continued to delay speaking to the police for some time before finally agreeing. He was instructed to report to the police station, where he was arrested.

The court found the man guilty of Illegal detention, Assault, and threatening to commit a crime, as well as possession of a controlled substance. The court sentenced the man to 18 months in prison for these offenses.