Lawyer’s jail time turned into service for abusing officers

TDT | Manama

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A lawyer, initially sentenced to three months in prison for abusing and insulting two police officers, has had his jail time swapped for three months of community service by the High Criminal Appeals Court.

While the court upheld the lawyer’s conviction, it decided that serving the community was a more appropriate punishment than prison time.

The original verdict stemmed from an incident where the lawyer was charged with insulting public officials and throwing objects at them as they attempted to execute an arrest warrant. He was also ordered to pay a BD100 bail. Prosecutors maintained that the police officers acted lawfully, refuting the lawyer’s claims of brutality.

They argued that the officers had clearly identified themselves and their legal authority before attempting the arrest. The defence countered, stating that the lawyer was alone in his apartment when men, claiming to be officers, forced their way in. He questioned their identity and demanded to see the arrest warrant, requesting they pass it under the door for verification.

After opening the door, the lawyer began recording the interaction as a precaution, despite officers ordering him to stop, which led to his arrest. The defence further argued that the lawyer did not insult the officers and that the arrest was procedurally flawed due to a lack of proper investigation. While the Appeals Court found the lawyer guilty, it opted for community service, deeming it a more suitable and constructive punishment.