Court kicks out Unruly lawyer

A lawyer was kicked out yesterday following a heated 2-hour court hearing in the appeal of Al Wefaq Isamlic Society secretary general at the Supreme Appeals Court. The convict, Ali Salman, was earlier sentenced to four years behind bars for publicly inciting hatred among a segment of society, insulting the interior ministry and inciting non-compliance with the law.

He appeared yesterday at the court for his appeal hearing after, both, the Public Prosecution and defence lawyers challenged the initial verdict. The prosecutors weren't content with Shaikh Salman being acquitted of more serious charges, including his alleged attempt to topple the regime with the use of force.

One of the lawyers, Jalila Al Sayed, criticised the Public Prosecution for referring the case to court based on a witness' statement. A heated verbal dispute broke out later when Al Sayed mocked the Public Prosecution by terming it as 'an impeccable entity'.

Attorney General Osama Al Oufi replied, “Yes, it's flawless”, and this prompting another defence lawyer, namely Mohsen Al Alawi to start shouting despite calls from judges at the court to keep silence.

He ignored the warnings and was dragged out the court room. Ms. Al Sayed continued her statement, arguing that the investigations into the case weren't 'serious enough'. 

The court then allowed the accused to speak, who insisted that he has always called for peace. He stated that he was ready to launch a national reconciliation initiative.

The court wrapped up the hearing session by rejecting the defence's request to release him on bail. The next hearing is scheduled on November 12.