54 Bahrainis fate in vandalism case will be heard on December

Manama : Closing arguments in the trial of 54 appellants implicated in connection with vandalism acts in a local prison will be heard on December 6.

The defendants were earlier slapped with 15 years imprisonment each. Fifty-seven men were found guilty in connection with this case, but only 54 appealed the verdict.

The Bahrainis were accused in connection with the riots, which broke out in Jaw Prison in March last year. The High Criminal Court earlier ordered them to pay a combined total of around half-a-million Bahraini dinars for the damage they caused to the property.  

The defendants are said to have destroyed numerous facilities, ignited fire in the property as well as committed hooligan acts. Several prison guards and inmates were injured during the event, according to the court files. 

The rioting inmates are said to have went on the rampage on March 10, and even held a nurse hostage. 

Violence erupted allegedly when guards denied access to a prisoner’s relative, who showed up for a visit, but did not have identification.

The defendants were indicted with use of force against police officers, attacking prison officers with sharp and deadly objects, arson, causing severe damage to the facility and putting the safety of inmates and officers at risk. 

They are said to have caused damage worth half-a-million Bahraini dinars to the property. The Public Prosecution had heard 126 witnesses before referring the case to the High Criminal Court.