Religious Leader and Wife Convicted in Unlicensed Fundraising Case, Fined BD500 Each

TDT | Manama

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The Lower Criminal Court has convicted a prominent religious leader and his wife, a school teacher, in connection with unlicensed fundraising activities. Both were fined BD500, and over BD20,000 were confiscated. However, the court acquitted the wife of failing to declare the large sum of money found in her possession at the King Fahd Causeway.

Case Details

The case began when the wife was apprehended at the King Fahd Causeway on June 22, carrying a significant amount of undeclared cash—200,000 Saudi Riyals and $2,600. She initially denied having anything to declare when questioned by customs officials.

Charges and Acquittal

The religious leader faced charges of collecting funds without proper authorization, while his wife was accused of aiding him and failing to declare the money at customs. The court ultimately acquitted the wife of the failure-to-declare charge but upheld her conviction for unlicensed fundraising.

Defense Argument

The wife’s defense argued that the money was donations from a Gulf national who admired the religious leader’s broadcasts. They also emphasized her substantial income from teaching and business activities, which exceeded one million riyals, maintaining that neither the husband nor wife solicited the funds.

Verdict and Fines

While the defense sought acquittal and leniency, the court imposed a BD500 fine on each defendant, representing a relatively lenient outcome compared to harsher potential penalties. The court also lifted the travel ban on the religious leader, marking the conclusion of the high-profile case.