Latest news with #HussainJawad
Daily Tribune
17-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
Fatal sea crash case deepens: drugs, forged meds and fishing violations
A forensic toxicology review has been ordered by the Lower Criminal Court in connection with a deadly boat crash off the coast of Bahrain that left two men dead near Al-Muharraq Island. One of the boats involved was later towed ashore at Malkiya, where a body was discovered onboard. A second victim was found near the Budaiya slipway. The court has instructed the Public Prosecution to secure an expert report from the state's toxicology lab as part of the ongoing investigation. Three men — a Bahraini national and two men of Asian nationality — stand accused in the case, which has since expanded to include allegations of drug use, poor safety protocols, and unauthorised fishing. The first defendant has been released on BD100 bail, while the other two remain in custody. Prosecutors allege the Bahraini defendant caused the deaths through reckless boat operation while under the influence of drugs. He also faces additional charges for possessing Pregabalin without a medical permit and failing to equip the vessel with basic safety gear. Authorities said the boat had no life jackets, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, identification system, or working navigation lights. All three men have also been charged with bottom trawling in Bahraini waters using banned 'Karaf ' fishing nets. Meanwhile, the two Asian nationals face further charges related to overstaying their residency permits. During the trial, defence lawyer Hussain Jawad argued that his client had not consumed any banned substances. He said the man suffers from chronic disc-related back pain and regularly takes prescribed medication. While on a trip to Saudi Arabia to purchase engine oil, the defendant reportedly experienced pain and visited a pharmacy in Dammam, a visit Jawad claims is supported by mobile phone records. The pharmacist gave him medication to ease the discomfort, unaware that the pills may have contained Pregabalin. Jawad suggested that the substance detected in his client's system could have been a legally prescribed painkiller, and called for further lab testing and full access to the toxicology findings. An officer from the Maritime Safety Directorate testified that his review of witness statements, technical documents, and scene reports failed to establish who was at fault. He added that electronic tracking data was outdated and offered no clear record of either vessel's movements on the day of the crash. Only one version of events had been documented, with no supporting evidence. In his expert opinion, both parties bore equal responsibility for the fatal incident. The court has adjourned the case pending submission of the toxicology report and additional evidence.
Gulf Insider
17-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain: Fatal Sea Crash Case Deepens, Drugs, Forged Meds And Fishing Violations
A forensic toxicology review has been ordered by the Lower Criminal Court in connection with a deadly boat crash off the coast of Bahrain that left two men dead near Al-Muharraq Island. One of the boats involved was later towed ashore at Malkiya, where a body was discovered onboard. A second victim was found near the Budaiya slipway. The court has instructed the Public Prosecution to secure an expert report from the state's toxicology lab as part of the ongoing investigation. Three men a Bahraini national and two men of Asian nationality – stand accused in the case, which has since expanded to include allegations of drug use, poor safety protocols, and unauthorised fishing. The first defendant has been released on BD100 bail, while the other two remain in custody. Prosecutors allege the Bahraini defendant caused the deaths through reckless boat operation while under the influence of drugs. He also faces additional charges for possessing Pregabalin without a medical permit and failing to equip the vessel with basic safety gear. Authorities said the boat had no a jackets, fire extinguisher, first ai identification system, or working navigation lights. All three men have also been charged with bottom trawling in Bahraini waters using banned 'Karaf ' fishing nets. Meanwhile, the two Asian nationals face further charges related to overstaying their residency permits. During the trial, defence lawyer Hussain Jawad argued that his client had not consumed any banned substances. He said the man suffers from chronic disc-related back pain and regularly takes prescribed medication. While on a trip to Saudi Arabia to purchase engine oil, the defendant reportedly experienced pain and visited a pharmacy in Dammam, a visit Jawad claims is supported by mobile phone records. The pharmacist gave him medication to ease the discomfort, unaware that the pills may have contained Pregabalin. Jawad suggested that the substance detected in his client's system could have been a legally prescribed painkiller, and called for further lab testing and full access to the toxicology findings. An officer from the Maritime Safety Directorate testified that his review of witness statements, technical documents, and scene reports failed to establish who was at fault. He added that electronic tracking data was outdated and offered no clear record of either vessel's movements on the day of the crash. Only one version of events had been documented, with no supporting evidence. In his expert opinion, both parties bore equal responsibility for the fatal incident. The court has adjourned the case pending submission of the toxicology report and additional evidence.
Daily Tribune
15-04-2025
- Daily Tribune
Three on trial over fatal boat crash and illegal fishing
Three men accused over a deadly boat crash that left two people dead appeared in court yesterday as their trial opened before the Fifth Minor Criminal Court. A Bahraini and two Asian nationals stand charged with a range of offences, including causing death through negligence, fishing illegally using karaf nets, and drug-related violations. The incident too k place off the coast near Al Mohammediya Island in the early hours of 25 December 2024. The Bahraini defendant is also accused of being under the influence of a controlled substance at the time. He told the court what happened was 'fate'. His lawyer, Hussain Jawad, asked the judge for more time to prepare his defence and requested a copy of the case file. He also applied for the man to be released on bail, pointing to his family ties, including a wife and a three-year-old child. Heirs Representing the heirs of one of the deceased, lawyer Anwar Hamza submitted her power of attorney and also asked to see the case papers. She requested a delay to allow her time to file a civil compensation claim. The Public Prosecution called for the charges to be applied in full. The judge ordered the case be postponed to 21 April to hear the arguments and for an interpreter to be made available for the second and third defendants. All three men are to remain in custody.
