2 years ago
The High Appeals Court has upheld the acquittal of five Asian fishermen who were accused of possessing prohibited and unlicensed fishing nets aboard their vessel and at the fishing site. The nets in question were of the “hyali” type, a type of floating trawl net. The defendants’ lawyer, Zahra Naama, argued in both the first instance court and the Appeals Court that the case lacked any evidence to convict her clients. She emphasised that her clients maintained their innocence throughout all stages of the proceedings. The High Appeals Court in its decision, thoroughly examined the case, considering its circumstances and the evidence presented by the prosecution. The court carefully weighed this evidence against the defendants’ denial. And it concluded that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to prove the charges and did not find it convincing that the defendants committed the alleged act. The court noted that the testimonies of the witnesses did not state that the nets they inspected were unauthorised or prohibited. “Their statements merely indicated that they had inspected the nets and found them to be compliant with specifications and authorised by the General Administration for the Protection of Marine Wealth,” the court pointed out. “The witnesses admitted […]
2 years ago
The National Bureau for Revenue (NBR) has reported in a statement detecting 41 violations of Value Added Tax (VAT) regulations during 183 inspection visits conducted across various governorates in the Kingdom of Bahrain during July. These inspections were part of the NBR’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with all regulations and legislation related to VAT and Excise, including the Digital Stamps system. The violations identified included failure to comply with the conditions and procedures for issuing VAT invoices, failure to display the VAT certificate in a prominent location, displaying prices for goods or services that did not include VAT, and failure to issue a VAT invoice. These violations resulted in administrative fines for the offending establishments. Furthermore, the NBR identified several cases suspected of VAT or Excise evasion, which are currently undergoing legal proceedings. The penalties for such violations can include imprisonment for up to five years and a fine equivalent to three times the evaded VAT amount, or imprisonment for one year and a fine equivalent to twice the evaded Excise amount. The NBR emphasised that the success of these inspection campaigns relies heavily on the cooperation of both business owners and consumers to achieve the highest standards of […]
2 years ago
The registration process for citizens outside the Kingdom of Bahrain wishing to participate in the parliamentary by-election for the first constituency in Muharraq Governorate will commence on August 19. This follows Resolution (65) of 2024 issued by Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments. Eligible voters can register via the elections website or at the relevant embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission. Diplomatic missions of Bahrain abroad will facilitate the registration and verification process from August 19 to 21 during official working hours. Only voters already registered in the electoral roll of the first constituency in Muharraq Governorate are eligible to participate. Ambassador Ibrahim Mohammed Al Muslimani, Chief of Consular Services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that diplomatic missions are fully prepared to manage the by-election process, from voter verification to the election day itself, including any necessary re-election. Each mission will establish a committee led by the ambassador or head of the mission, supported by two officials, to oversee voting and count the votes. Elections are scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, with a potential re-election on September 10. Voting will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., local time for each […]
2 years ago
Jidhafs Secondary Girls School has won the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) programme in its second edition for the year 2023/2024 in the video category with their entry titled “Insidious Poison.” The programme is part of the global UNESCO initiative, “Litter Less.” The school will be honoured during a ceremony organised by the UNESCO Associated Schools Network on September 24, which will also mark the launch of the third edition of this competition. This competition is part of UNESCO’s efforts to achieve the objectives of its Associated Schools Network worldwide, particularly in raising awareness about pressing environmental issues. The competition focused on producing educational content highlighting the importance of taking action to reduce waste and improve waste management, both within schools and in the public, while providing support to participating schools in implementing their waste reduction projects.
2 years ago
In August 2023, Vinod K. Jacob assumed office as the 16th Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain. With over 20 years of diplomatic experience, he has previously served as the Ambassador of India in Beijing, a member of the Indian delegation to the United Nations Security Council, and India’s Deputy High Commissioner in Colombo, Sri Lanka, among other distinguished roles. Marking his first posting in the Middle East, Jacob focuses on strengthening ties with the Indian diaspora in Bahrain. With nearly 350,000 Indians residing in the Kingdom, the largest expatriate population, his initiatives are centred on swiftly addressing community grievances, promoting India’s tourism, and engaging the youth with the Embassy. An avid cricketer, he also enjoys playing the sport with community members in Bahrain. On 15th August this year, India celebrates its 78th Independence Day. In this exclusive interview, Gulf Insider’s Deepika Rao sits down with the Ambassador to discuss the India-Bahrain relationship, initiatives supporting NRIs and youth, and a reflection on his first year in office. What are the most important areas of engagement between India and Bahrain? India and Bahrain have historically shared close relations, dating back to the time of the Indus Valley Civilization. Over the […]
2 years ago
Ministry of Works announced that the expansion joint maintenance works on Isa Bin Salman Highway (Bahrain Map Flyover) necessitate closure of one lane for westbound traffic and two lanes will be provided for traffic movement. The closure will be effective from Thursday, August 15 at 11:00 p.m. to Sunday, August 18 at 05:00 p.m. The ministry also announced that the resurfacing works of Janabiyah Highway between Avenue 35 and Road 4745 necessitate closure of one lane on stages for northbound traffic to Budayia and one lane will be provided for traffic movement. The closure will be effective from Thursday, August 15 at 11:00 p.m. to Sunday, August 18 at 05:00 a.m. All road users are requested to observe and obey the traffic rules for the safety of all.
2 years ago
The High Criminal Court has sentenced a Pakistani man to three years in prison for child sexual abuse, confiscation of seized materials, and permanent deportation from the Kingdom upon completion of his sentence. The man was found guilty of sexual harassment, child extortion, and possession of child pornography. The case stems from a report filed by the Child Protection Unit in Cyberspace, part of the General Directorate of Combating Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security at the Ministry of Interior. The report alleged that the defendant had impersonated a young girl on a social media platform, luring young girls and children into sharing private photos and videos of themselves in compromising situations. Demands He then proceeded to extort them by threatening to share the content with their families and friends if they did not comply with his demands. The Public Prosecution promptly initiated an investigation upon receiving the report. They took statements from the victim and her family, ordered an examination and analysis of the devices used in the crime, and interrogated the defendant. He confessed to the charges against him. The Public Prosecution then ordered his detention pending investigation and subsequently referred the case to the Criminal Court, which issued […]
2 years ago
The Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) has announced a two-month ban on fishing for Hamour (Epinephelus coioides), effective from August 15th, 2024, until October 15th, 2024. The decision prohibits the use of nets to catch Hamour within Bahrain’s territorial waters, as well as the display and sale of Hamour in markets and public places for the duration of the ban. The SCE stated that the decision is based on Decree-Law No. (20) of 2002 regarding the regulation of fishing, exploitation, and protection of marine resources, and in accordance with the decisions of the Agricultural Cooperation Committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during its 23rd meeting, which outlined measures to protect Hamour. The SCE explained that the ban on fishing for Hamour during its breeding season aims to increase their stocks, regulate fishing practices, and prevent overfishing. This will ensure the sustainability and balance of marine life. The SCE emphasised the importance of continued coordination and collaboration with relevant authorities in protecting marine resources and urged fishermen to comply with the regulations governing the fishing sector. It also stated that all necessary measures will be taken to enforce the ban.
2 years ago
Shaikh Mohammed Abdullah Al-Qallaleef has declared his withdrawal from the by-elections in the Muharraq first constituency. Despite stepping back from the electoral race, Al-Qallaleef affirmed his commitment to serving the nation, leadership, and the people of the region in any future capacity. In his statement, Al-Qallaleef urged voters in the first constituency to cast their ballots for the most qualified candidates, emphasising the importance of their role in selecting representatives who will contribute to His Majesty the King’s reform project. He also called on all Bahrainis to unite in support of their leadership, remaining loyal and dedicated to the nation. Al-Qallaleef expressed his prayers for the continued security and stability of Bahrain and its leadership.
2 years ago
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has conducted 750 inspection campaigns and visits between August 4th and 10th, 2024. These efforts resulted in the apprehension of 55 workers for violating labor regulations and working illegally, while 196 individuals were deported during the same period. The inspections revealed several violations of various laws, particularly the LMRA Law and the Bahrain Residence Law. Legal action has been taken against those found in breach of regulations. The LMRA conducted 734 inspections across various commercial establishments in all governorates. Additionally, 16 joint inspection campaigns were carried out, including 10 in the Capital Governorate, two in Muharraq Governorate, three in the Northern Governorate, and one in the Southern Governorate. These joint efforts involved the Ministry of Interior (represented by Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs), the Security Directorates in the governorates, the General Directorate of Execution of Judgments and Alternative Punishments, the Coast Guard, and the Capital Municipality. The LMRA emphasized its ongoing coordination with government agencies to intensify inspection campaigns across all governorates. The aim is to combat any violations or practices that negatively impact the labor market’s stability, competitiveness, or the economic and social security of the Kingdom. The LMRA reiterated its call for […]
2 hours ago
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