Parliamentary panel upholds Al Doy immunity

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

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The Parliamentary Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee has recommended against lifting the parliamentary immunity of MP Hamad Al Doy, sources revealed.

The decision follows complaints filed against Al Doy related to statements he made during a previous parliamentary session and subsequent social media posts.

These statements, concerning alleged unethical practices at Amwaj Islands, led to a heated exchange with fellow MP Khalid Buanq and further criticism of MP Ahmed Al Saloum, the head of the Amwaj Islands Central Owners’ Association, on social media.

The union subsequently issued a press statement announcing legal action against Al Doy for defamation.

Al Doy responded by claiming the union was attempting to obscure the truth and misrepresent his comments.

Report

The parliament’s bureau is reportedly delaying the presentation of the committee’s report to the full parliament.

This delay aims to allow for potential reconciliation between Al Doy and the complainants before a final decision is made.

According to the parliament’s internal regulations, a decision on lifting immunity must be reached within one month of receiving the request.

The request was received by the Speaker of Parliament on October 28th, meaning a decision is required within the next two weeks; otherwise, the delay will be considered implicit approval to lift the immunity.

Regulations

Bahraini parliamentary regulations stipulate that during a parliamentary session, no legal proceedings, including arrest, investigation, search, or detention, can be initiated against a member without prior parliamentary approval, except in cases of a crime being committed in the presence of witnesses.

Outside of a session, the Speaker’s approval is required. Failure to issue a decision within the one-month timeframe is considered equivalent to granting permission.