Hajj Campaign Operator Receives One-Year Sentence; Associates Acquitted
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com
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The Lower Criminal Court has issued a mixed verdict in the case of a Hajj campaign operator and two associates accused of distributing 12 forged Hajj permits. While the campaign operator received a one-year prison sentence, his son and a staff member were acquitted of all charges.
The operator was also acquitted of the separate fraud charges. The son and staff member were immediately released, while the operator's release will depend on whether he chooses to appeal the sentence. He was also given an option for a 100 Bahraini dinar bail.
Despite the operator's conviction, the arguments presented by the defense team played a significant role in the outcome. Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa successfully argued that the court's jurisdiction was questionable, given that the permits were distributed and used in Saudi Arabia.
Despite the operator's conviction, the arguments presented by the defense team played a significant role in the outcome. Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa successfully argued that the court's jurisdiction was questionable, given that the permits were distributed and used in Saudi Arabia.
He further highlighted a concurrent Saudi investigation resulting in the conviction of another individual, weakening the case against the Bahraini defendants. He also emphasised that the public prosecution had issued a dismissal order against them.
Attorney Al Asfoor's defense successfully exonerated her client, the staff member, demonstrating his lack of involvement in the permit issuance or forgery. She emphasised his role as a simple receptionist and his lack of authority regarding financial transactions or permits.
The initial investigation, triggered by a report from the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments regarding the forged permits discovered by Saudi authorities, led to the detention of the three individuals.
Attorney Al Asfoor's defense successfully exonerated her client, the staff member, demonstrating his lack of involvement in the permit issuance or forgery. She emphasised his role as a simple receptionist and his lack of authority regarding financial transactions or permits.
The initial investigation, triggered by a report from the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments regarding the forged permits discovered by Saudi authorities, led to the detention of the three individuals.
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