Latest news with #JassimAlIssa
Daily Tribune
26-06-2025
- Daily Tribune
‘Seek voluntary treatment'
Drug users in Bahrain can avoid prosecution by voluntarily seeking treatment, but face legal action if caught with narcotics in their system, a Bahraini lawyer has said. Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Jassim Al Issa explained that the law allows addicts or their relatives, up to the fourth degree, to request admission into a rehabilitation centre. In such cases, no criminal case is filed and the addict is treated without being sent to court. Charges 'If the person is caught using, or if traces are found in their blood, then the Public Prosecution brings charges,' he told The Daily Tribune. Al Issa referred to Law No. 15 of 2007, which sets out clear differences between users, promoters and traffickers. Penalties rise sharply depending on the individual's role. Someone found in possession of banned substances for personal use may face a fine of up to BD3,000 or jail time, under Article 32. Article 35 sets a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment and a BD100 fine for certain acts committed without authorisation. Sterner treatment By contrast, traffickers face much sterner treatment. Offences under Article 30 carry penalties of life imprisonment or death, along with a fine ranging from BD5,000 to BD50,000. These penalties apply to those who import, produce, sell or fund narcotics or restricted plants, whether directly or through others. The law lists types of substances in detailed schedules covering both chemical and botanical forms. Tougher sentencing applies in cases involving repeat offenders, public servants tasked with drug enforcement, the use of minors, involvement in cross-border trafficking, or misuse of legal protection or position. Accidental violations 'The law also addresses banned prescriptions and restricted ingredients in certain medicines,' said Al Issa. 'This helps define what is prohibited and makes it easier to avoid accidental violations.' He urged addicts and their families to make use of the law's provision for voluntary treatment. 'A request can be submitted by the user or by a spouse or close relative. It prevents a criminal record and gives the person a chance to move on,' he said. 'This is far better than court-ordered rehabilitation, which still leads to a case being registered. Even if time spent in the facility is deducted from the sentence, the charge remains.'
Daily Tribune
09-06-2025
- Daily Tribune
Red-light crash victim awarded BD9,000
A red-light crash that shattered a Bahraini man's leg has ended with a BD9,000 payout after a civil court ruled the woman behind the wheel was to blame. The High Civil Court ordered the payment. The defendant must also cover BD298.5 in court fees, BD20 in legal costs, BD90 for medical assessments and BD10 for translation. Representing the man was lawyer Jassim Al Issa. The crash happened on 12 July last year. The woman drove through a red light and struck the claimant's car. He was taken to hospital with a fractured thigh bone, a gash to the knee and bruises across his body. A criminal court later fined her BD1,000 after finding her guilty of a string of driving offences, including causing damage to property and failing to take due care. That ruling was not appealed and stood as final. Medical reports placed his permanent disability at 15 per cent. The man was left with pain, a limited range of movement in the right knee and visible scarring. The court also considered the mental strain he and his family had endured. Claim His original claim asked for BD5,001. This was raised to BD10,000 following the medical findings, which detailed the injury and loss of earnings. The court awarded BD9,000, with BD8,500 covering physical harm and BD500 for emotional distress. The claim for interest was turned down. Judges referred to Article 228 of the Civil Code, which bars interest on civil debts. But the defendant must still foot the full bill for legal and medical costs.
Daily Tribune
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Court orders father to pay BD120 per month for support to four children as mother wins urgent custody
Despite drawing a government salary, a father who failed to support his four children has been ordered to pay maintenance after a court granted urgent custody to their mother. The Third Minor Sharia Court issued the ruling on 16 April, finding that the children, aged between six and 13, remained within the age of maternal custody and that no legal barrier stood in the mother's way. The father must now pay BD120 per month for the children's upkeep, to be divided equally, along with BD30 for housing and BD10 as a custodial allowance. All payments are due from 9 April. Case The mother, represented by Jassim Al Issa, had submitted her case electronically. Alongside custody and monthly support, she requested funds for Eid clothing and the children's identification documents. The court declined jurisdiction on those points, saying they required further examination. Divorce She stated that since the divorce, granted by mutual separation in August last year, her former husband had contributed nothing, leaving her to manage alone despite his steady employment at the Ministry of Interior. The father did not appear in court. The judge found that the mother's claims were supported by the documents and that she was entitled to custody and support. The court waived all fees but ordered the father to pay BD10 in legal costs. The decision takes effect immediately.
