University student’s appeal against expulsion rejected by court

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

A Bahraini university student who was expelled for attempting to hack into the university’s electronic systems has had his appeal rejected by the Administrative Court.

The court upheld the university’s decision, stating that the student’s actions were proven through an administrative investigation and a final criminal judgment against him.

The student had argued that the expulsion was arbitrary and excessive, claiming that the university had overreacted to his actions.

He requested a reduction in the punishment. “I am deeply disappointed by the university’s decision to expel me,” the student told the court during the trial.

“I believe they have overreacted, and the punishment of expulsion is excessive. I am hoping the court will reduce the penalty.”

However, the court ruled that the university’s assessment of the severity of the student’s misconduct was justified considering the circumstances.

The court emphasised that its role in reviewing disciplinary measures is limited to ensuring the student’s guilt and the legality of the punishment.

It does not extend to evaluating the appropriateness of the penalty, as the university has the authority to determine the severity of the offense and the corresponding disciplinary action within legal limits.

The student’s offenses included stealing a fellow student’s password, impersonating her, and attempting to damage the university’s computer systems by installing malicious software.

These actions were deemed to be serious breaches of university regulations and traditions.

The university’s disciplinary code outlines a range of penalties for student misconduct, including warnings, suspension, and expulsion.

The court recognised that expulsion is a severe penalty but deemed it appropriate in this case, given the seriousness of the student’s actions and the university’s authority to impose such sanctions.