They are back in Bahrain!

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahraini bodybuilding champion and two other Bahrainis released by Qatari authorities from detention have arrived in the Kingdom.

Al Haddad and his compatriots were arrested by the Qatari Coastal and Border Security at sea on 8th January 2021, while on a fishing trip. His arrest was also, the third such incident reported in recent months.

Upon landing in Bahrain, Sami Ibrahim Al-Haddad, Muhammad Yusef Al-Dossary and Habib Abbas were given a warm reception by Muharraq Governor Salman bin Isa Bin Hindi Al Mannai.

He conveyed to them the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and their congratulations on their safe return.

The trio thanked HM King Hamad and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister for their interest and care in making their release possible. They also thanked Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa for ensuring their safe return home.

The trio also paid tribute to Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani for following up their case.

Sami Al-Haddad, the Lion of Bahrain, is the first Mr Olympia amateur winner and world champion overall winner in 2011.

He is an IFBB PRO bodybuilder from Bahrain and owner of BlacksmithGym.

The release of the trio followed interventions by the Bahraini authorities as directed by the Cabinet.

Bahraini Cabinet earlier directed the Interior Ministry to take all necessary measures to release all Bahraini citizens detained by Qatar and facilitate their return to the Kingdom.

The arrest also occurred after Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council nations signed a deal to end a political rift with Doha.

The release of the citizens was confirmed on Thursday by the Interior Ministry in a tweet. “Qatari authorities have released Bahraini citizens detained by Qatari Coastal and Border Security on 8th January 2021,” the statement said.

The statement also confirmed the release of a Bahraini sailor, Habib Abbas, arrested in December.

However, the ministry said Qatar had not released the boats, and Banooshs (traditional boats) captured, taking the number of captured vessels to 50 since the dispute began.

Before landing back in Bahrain, the citizens released by Qatar had travelled to the Sultanate of Oman.

Bahrain’s embassy in Oman also confirmed their arrival earlier on Thursday in a tweet.

Following which, the Interior Ministry said it has contacted the citizens and got assured about their health.

There was no immediate comment from Qatari authorities.

What next?

Sami Ibrahim Al-Haddad, Muhammad Yusef Al-Dossary and Habib Abbas will be asked to report to the General Department of Investigation and Criminal Evidence.

The trio will give an account of the happenings to the investigators.

Interior Ministry had said the statements are to determine the circumstances of their arrest and take the necessary legal measures.

Meanwhile, Bahrain on Sunday announced that it would reopen its airspace to Qatar as of 11th January 2021 according to a deal reached earlier this month.

The accord ends a long-standing dispute in which Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in mid-2017.

As of now, all four nations have resumed air links with Qatar.

However, a senior Emirati official has said that restoring diplomatic ties would take more time as parties rebuild trust.