Bahrain court begins hearing on sheltering convicts case

Manama : The High Criminal Court yesterday began hearing in the case of 10 men accused of sheltering four convicts. 

One of the sheltered convicts was an accomplice of the men who recently broke out of the Jau Prison, while another had received life imprisonment. 

A defendant’s sister’s son was also involved in the case. Police arrested them while attempting to flee to Iran wearing abayas. The first defendant revealed that he was contacted by one of the fugitives who requested money and a safe place for them. 

To avoid suspicion, the fugitives communicated with the defendants through Instagram and other communication applications, the court files said. 

“I agreed to help him because he was my schoolmate and was also my neighbour. He also requested food for him and the other fugitives, and I met all their demands,” the first defendant told prosecutors. 

Explaining how he arranged accommodation for them, he said: “They wanted a house to stay, but I told them I cannot provide that.”

“Then they asked me to provide a place for three hours and I contacted my uncle to check the availability of my grandfather’s house,” he added. 

The defendant took the fugitives to his grandfather’s house, and get them acquainted with his uncle. 

The defendant’s uncle advised the fugitives about travelling plan to Iran. He also told them that they would need a fast boat. 

However, police officers, who were following the defendants already pounced on them before they could execute their plan.