Father granted visitation despite conviction
The judgment permits him to see his four children from Thursday evening until Saturday evening each week.
He will also be allowed visits on the first day of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, during the school spring break for seven days, the summer holiday for a fortnight, and on certain religious and national dates.
Periods
Overnight stays are included in most of these periods.
Handover will take place either at the mother's home or the nearest social centre, depending on the day.
The mother objected. She told the court the children were reluctant to visit their father's home, where he lives with his wife, sister, nephew and the nephew's wife.
She referred to his 2022 criminal conviction for verbal abuse and defamation, and said he rarely saw the children.
Complaint
A complaint had also been filed against her, she said, for bringing the children to him.
The father, through his lawyer Jassim Al Essa, submitted a copy of the divorce certificate and the children's identity cards. The court noted that he was the legal guardian and, by law, entitled to contact unless there were sound reasons to prevent it. It found none.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
12-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bar Society stands firm amid public backlash
The Bahrain Bar Society has come to the defence of a lawyer facing public criticism for representing a defendant in a high-profile criminal case that has gripped the nation. Ahmed Abdulla Tawq, a lawyer and private notary, became the target of intense online attacks after agreeing to defend a 29-year-old Bahraini man accused of causing a road crash that killed a couple and their young son and left two other children seriously injured. The tragedy, which occurred on May 30, sparked widespread outrage, with many on social media and in local newspaper comment sections demanding that lawyers refuse to represent clients in emotionally charged cases. In a strong rebuttal, the Bar Society's board described such calls as 'misguided,' emphasising that criminal justice cannot function without defence lawyers. 'A lawyer's duty is not to exonerate the accused, but to ensure that all sides are heard in court,' the Society said. 'Their role is to present arguments clearly and ensure every relevant fact is scrutinised. Walking away from difficult or unpopular cases not only undermines justice but may carry serious professional consequences.' The Case The defendant is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs before veering into oncoming traffic and crashing into the family's vehicle. The impact killed three members of the family at the scene, as they were reportedly preparing to celebrate Eid Al Adha. Two children survived but remain hospitalised. In court, Mr Tawq requested a pause in proceedings to review the charges, suggesting they may conflict with constitutional protections. He also called for witnesses to be heard and asked that his client undergo a medical evaluation, noting the defendant suffers from epilepsy, which could have impaired his awareness at the time of the incident. Prosecutors, however, demanded the maximum penalty, arguing the crash was the result of a 'chain of reckless decisions' and that the defendant deserved no leniency. The Legal Principle The Bar Society invoked Article 20 of Bahrain's Constitution, which guarantees the right of every accused individual to legal representation. The Society warned against allowing public emotion to override this foundational legal principle. 'Compassion for victims is deeply important, but it must not spill over into hostility toward professionals fulfilling their duties,' the statement read. Quoting Imam Ali, the Society reminded the public: 'It is better to err in forgiveness than in punishment.' They also cited Benjamin Franklin's famous principle: 'It is better that a hundred guilty persons should escape than that one innocent person should suffer.' The Society urged the public to support — not vilify — those who uphold the legal system, stressing that defence lawyers play a vital role in helping courts reach fair and balanced judgments. 'They deserve gratitude, not condemnation,' the statement said.
Daily Tribune
28-06-2025
- Daily Tribune
20 Indian nationals released under Royal Pardon: Open House
Twenty Indian nationals were released under Royal Pardon on the occasion of Eid Al Adha, bringing the total number of Indians released since December 2023 to 250, the Embassy of India in Bahrain announced. The update was shared during the latest Open House held at the Indian Embassy and chaired by Ambassador Vinod Kurian Jacob. The monthly event, aimed at directly addressing concerns of Indian nationals, was attended by more than 40 members of the community and conducted in English, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam. As part of its outreach efforts, embassy officials visited both the Ladies Jail and Jau Jail earlier this month to meet inmates in person. Women inmates received support kits through the Indian Community Welfare Fund. The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain's authorities for their continued cooperation and support, particularly during recent developments in the region. He also praised the Indian community for its responsible conduct and urged continued adherence to local advisories. In response to several complaints about alleged fraud by tour and travel companies offering membership packages, the embassy issued a caution. It advised Indian nationals to thoroughly verify the credentials of such companies before making any payments. A major update was also shared regarding consular services. A new Outsourced Service Provider has been appointed to manage passport, visa, and other consular services starting 1 August 2025. Until then, from 1 July to 31 July, these services will continue to be offered directly at the embassy premises. The Open House was also attended by the Embassy's welfare and consular teams, along with its panel of lawyers. The Ambassador thanked the lawyers for their regular participation and assistance in reviewing individual cases raised during the session. He also expressed appreciation to Indian community members for their active participation in the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations held on 21 June 2025. A delegation from the Bahrain Yogasana team, which had recently competed in the second Asian Yogasana Sports Championship in India, was also present. Grievances raised during the Open House were successfully addressed, with several resolved on the spot and others scheduled for follow-up action. Ambassador Jacob extended his thanks to all Indian associations and community members for their continued support and engagement.
Gulf Insider
19-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain Court Grants Divorce To Woman After Years Of Abuse And Assault
A Bahraini woman has been granted a divorce after her husband was convicted of violently abusing her, including an assault that left her with a broken nose. According to court records, the woman endured years of physical and verbal abuse during her marriage but initially remained silent to preserve her family. The violence escalated earlier this year, prompting her to seek help after a particularly severe attack. Her lawyer told local media the abuse was both 'long-standing and documented.' The husband was convicted by Bahrain's criminal court of assault, insult, and mistreatment, and fined BD500. His subsequent appeal was dismissed, and the conviction upheld. Building on the criminal ruling, the woman sought a divorce in the Sharia Court, citing harm. The court accepted the criminal verdict as conclusive proof of abuse, ruling that the severity of the violence and mistreatment made reconciliation impossible. Judges granted her an irrevocable divorce (khul'), which bars her from returning to her ex-husband except with a new contract and dowry. The divorce certificate will be issued once the verdict is final.
