3 days ago
Bahraini authorities are actively pursuing two individuals, both 26 years old, linked to a significant drug smuggling operation that led to the seizure of approximately 130,000 Captagon pills. These suspects are currently believed to be operating outside of the Kingdom, prompting legal proceedings to secure their arrest and facilitate their extradition back to Bahrain. The Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday the successful interception of the Captagon shipment, which is valued at BD 640,000 (approximately $1.7 million USD). This operation is a testament to the effectiveness of a collaborative effort between several security agencies, including customs and drug enforcement units. The authorities revealed that the drugs were cleverly concealed within a shipment of tightly sealed pipes, which were prepared in specialized workshops to evade detection. In connection with the case, a 38-year-old woman has already been arrested for her involvement in the smuggling operation. Authorities are investigating her role and any potential links to the main suspects. Sources close to the investigation have disclosed that critical information shared by Qatari authorities played a pivotal role in the successful interception of the shipment. This highlights the importance of regional cooperation in combating drug smuggling and organized crime. The investigation has traced […]
4 days ago
The Kingdom of Bahrain may experience today scattered rain accompanied by strong winds, particularly in marine areas. Citizens and residents are advised to prepare for strong winds, from 2pm to 6pm. This was announced yesterday by the Meteorology Department at the Ministry of Transport and Communications via its official platforms. The department emphasised that October and November typically mark the onset of weather fluctuations, and with several supporting elements present over the next two days, local formations are expected to develop in areas adjacent to Bahrain today and tomorrow. According to the official weather bulletin, the maximum temperature today is forecasted to reach no higher than 36 degrees Celsius. Humid conditions are expected to transition to partly cloudy skies at times, with relatively warm temperatures during the day. Winds will generally be easterly, ranging from 5 to 10 knots, increasing to 12 to 17 knots, with gusts potentially reaching 25 knots later in the day.
5 days ago
The High Civil Court has delivered a significant victory to a couple who were victims of a complex fraud scheme orchestrated by a sorcerer and his accomplice. The High Civil Court ordered the pair to pay the couple substantial compensation for defrauding them of their property under the guise of removing a curse. The couple, hoping to conceive a child, sought the sorcerer’s help. Exploiting their vulnerability, the defendants convinced them that their land, valued at approximately BD100,000, was cursed and needed to be transferred to the sorcerer to break the spell. Tactic Using the same tactic, they also acquired two vehicles (worth around BD6,000) and gold jewelry (BD7,000) belonging to the couple. The couple subsequently filed a criminal complaint, leading to a three-year prison sentence for the sorcerer. His accomplice was initially acquitted but later received a two-year prison sentence and a 5,000 Bahrain dinar fine after a successful appeal by the prosecution. In the civil case, the court ordered the defendants to jointly pay the husband approximately BD96,800, the wife BD800, and a further BD1,100 to both as compensation for damages. Equivalent value The court also ruled that the land and vehicles must be returned to the couple, […]
5 days ago
A Bahraini university student, already serving a six-month prison sentence for defrauding his aunts of over BD24,000, is facing new charges. This time, he is accused of exploiting his grandmother, allegedly stealing BD4,000 through unauthorized transfers using a mobile banking application. Bitterly, the student was living with his grandmother. The student’s previous conviction stemmed from a series of fraudulent transactions between 2020 and 2023. Guilty He was found guilty of using his aunts’ electronic signatures and PINs to gain access to their mobile banking accounts, systematically transferring significant sums of money to his own account. The court, recognizing the severity of the crime and the financial hardship inflicted upon the victims, ordered an interim compensation of BD450 to the aunts, pending further legal proceedings to determine the full extent of restitution. The new case centers on similar allegations. The Public Prosecution contends that the student, using illicit methods, gained unauthorized access to his grandmother’s mobile banking account. He allegedly transferred BD4,000 to his personal account, leaving the elderly woman financially vulnerable. The prosecution’s case rests heavily on bank statements that clearly show the unauthorized transfers from the grandmother’s account to the student’s account, providing irrefutable evidence of the fraudulent activity. […]
5 days ago
The Supreme Council for Environment has announced the launch of a new online service for international trade in endangered species, accessible through a dedicated portal. This initiative aims to modernize and streamline the permitting process for CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulated species. The new online platform allows for the electronic submission of applications for the import, export, and re-export of endangered species. Application methods This represents a significant upgrade from previous application methods; the older system has been decommissioned for new applications, although existing applications submitted through the old system will continue to be processed. The system covers a wide range of endangered flora and fauna, including various species of birds (such as falcons and owls), mammals (including elephants, lions, tigers, and others, along with their parts and derivatives), reptiles (iguanas, monitors, crocodiles, snakes, and turtles), marine life (sea horses, dugongs, dolphins, sharks, coral, and caviar from endangered sturgeon), and plants (cacti, orchids, agarwood, sandalwood, and others). All these species are subject to CITES regulations. Permits Exporting live animals may require additional permits from relevant Bahraini authorities, such as veterinary permits, and all shipments must comply with International Air Transport Association […]
5 days ago
The High Criminal Court has officially scheduled October 28th to announce its ruling in the high-profile trial of a 29-year-old Asian man, who is currently employed as a cleaner, and is accused of being involved in a significant drug trafficking operation that has drawn considerable attention. The defendant, whose occupation is officially listed as a cleaner, faces multiple serious charges, including possessing hashish with the intent to traffic, as well as possessing hashish, heroin, and a controlled substance for personal use. All these charges are in direct violation of Bahraini law, which strictly regulates drug-related offenses and imposes severe penalties on those found guilty. The case originated from an extensive undercover investigation that targeted an Asian-led drug trafficking network known for utilizing “dead drop” methods via couriers to distribute illegal substances. Sophisticated operation This sophisticated operation involved various individuals acting as intermediaries to transport drugs discreetly. The investigation revealed that the defendant played a crucial role as one of these couriers, facilitating the movement of drugs between suppliers and users. During a thorough search of the defendant’s residence, law enforcement officials discovered two gloves containing traces of a dark paste, which is believed to be hashish. This evidence was pivotal […]
6 days ago
In a meaningful recognition of their hard work, the Education Ministry has announced the promotion of more than 130 Bahraini teachers from the role of Teacher to Senior Teacher. The Ministry, in conjunction with the Civil Service Bureau, has taken the necessary steps to ensure that these promotions adhere to established criteria. A ceremony to announce the names of the promoted teachers will take place this morning at the Ministry’s hall in Isa Town. This move, the Ministry emphasised, aligns with the vision of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who has long advocated for the vital role educators play in shaping the future of the Kingdom. His Excellency Dr Mohammed Juma, the Minister of Education, praised the support from HRH Prince Salman for the educational sector, expressing pride in the dedication of the Ministry’s staff. He congratulated all the teachers who have achieved this promotion, especially on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, reminding every one of the profound impact teachers have on their students’ lives. Valuing voices Dr. Juma noted that Bahrain joins the global community in celebrating World Teachers’ Day, which this year carries the theme set by […]
6 days ago
Bahrain’s renowned artist Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa has recently opened his first solo exhibition “Continuum” at the Credo Bonum Foundation in Sofia, Bulgaria, featuring diverse works from various series. The exhibition is considered an opportunity to strengthen artistic and cultural ties with the Republic of Bulgaria, which has a rich history of culture and beautiful art. It also seeks to foster creative exchange with the Kingdom of Bahrain, including opportunities for artists from both countries to hold joint exhibitions and workshops. The exhibition features 12 artworks from series Spectrum, Waves, and Les Roses de Bagatelle. The Spectrum series offers a contemporary perspective on Islamic art’s ‘rules of repetition’, seamlessly merging traditional aesthetic principles with echoes of modern Arab architecture. Similarly, the Waves series pays homage to Bahrain’s maritime history, intertwining rhythmic repetition with the island’s cultural heritage. Delicate journey Lastly, Les Roses de Bagatelle embarks on a delicate journey inspired by the flora of Château de Bagatelle, reflecting Rashid’s contemplation on the rose as both a natural entity and a metaphor. This diverse collection of artworks embodies Rashid’s artistic evolution, invoking notions of rhythm, purity, and ephemerality. Expressing his anticipation for the exhibition, Rashid Al Khalifa shared, “I am […]
6 days ago
A receptionist at a popular gym in Ramli Mall has been sentenced to three months in jail after allowing customers to work out for free and pocketing the losses. The court also ordered her deportation following her conviction for embezzling funds and tampering with company records. The gym’s owner, represented by lawyer Essam Al Tayeb, filed the complaint, accusing the former employee of falsifying attendance logs and giving non-paying clients access to the facilities. The fraudulent scheme reportedly ran from mid-June 2022 to December 2023, during her time as a receptionist. Attendance records Court documents reveal that she doctored attendance records to cover up her absences, while also allowing several gym-goers to train without paying membership fees or after their subscriptions had lapsed. This led to financial damage for the gym. The gym owner also accused her of stealing written warnings and key company documents, some of which contained sensitive information about employees, suppliers, and customers, before she fled to the Philippines. Furthermore, she was said to have shirked her duties by engaging in disputes with members and failing to distribute membership cards. Protocols Adding to the chaos, the accused allegedly kept her own salary receipt book instead of following […]
6 days ago
A Bahraini man has been acquitted of assaulting a domestic worker following an appeal hearing in the High Appeals Court. The court overturned a previous three-year prison sentence, citing inconsistencies in the complainant’s testimony. The defendant’s lawyer, Dina Al Qamish, argued that the complainant’s statements were contradictory. She presented evidence suggesting the domestic worker, who was employed on an hourly basis, had initiated contact with the defendant and then attempted to extort him for financial gain. The initial trial found the defendant guilty of sexual assault without consent, based on the domestic worker’s accusations. However, Al Qamish successfully argued several points on appeal. She highlighted the implausibility of the complainant’s account, particularly in light of text messages showing the complainant had arranged to meet the defendant and requested personal items, suggesting consent. The complainant attempted to justify these messages by claiming she was only trying to buy time. Inconsistencies Al Qamish further pointed out inconsistencies in the complainant’s claims that she was unable to contact the police or friends for help because of a lack of phone signal, despite being able to text the defendant while he was on the second floor. She also noted the complainant’s claim that the […]