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Bar Society stands firm amid public backlash

Bar Society stands firm amid public backlash

Daily Tribune12-07-2025
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.
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