Court temporarily frees accused Hajj scam trio

TDT | Manama

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The Lower Criminal Court has ordered the temporary release of a Hajj campaign operator, his son, and a staff member, who were accused of defrauding pilgrims by issuing 12 forged Hajj permits.

The court has scheduled October 7 for a hearing to present arguments from one of the defense attorneys. During the session yesterday, the three detained defendants appeared in court alongside their legal representatives, including Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, attorney Intisar Al Asfoor, and attorney Noor Mohammed, who was representing attorney Mansour Adraboh.

Guarantees

After their defense statements, the court decided to release the three defendants on the condition that they provide guarantees of their residence, but they have been barred from traveling.

Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmed argued that the court lacked jurisdiction since the alleged incident occurred in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the permits were handed over and used by individuals affiliated with the Saudi police for entry into the holy sites, which are outside Bahrain’s jurisdiction.

Additionally, he noted that Saudi authorities had initiated an investigation into the matter, leading to the conviction of another individual for the crime, thereby severing any connection to the defendants in the current case.

Prior ruling

Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmed further argued that the case should not be heard again, as it had already been adjudicated, with a prior ruling against the campaign manager resulting in a one-year prison sentence and a fine of 3,000 Saudi Riyals.

He emphasised that the defendants had been cleared by public prosecution, which had issued a dismissal order against them. On her part, Al Asfoor clarified that her client had no official connection to the campaign beyond volunteering as a staff member for the pilgrims in exchange for a salary as a reception worker.

She added that he was merely a receptionist and a helper for the pilgrims, working alongside other staff members such as media personnel and religious advisors. He had no authority to issue permits or handle any financial transactions related to the Hajj.