Public Prosecution Seeks Death Penalty in Shakhurah Murder Case

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain’s Public Prosecution has officially requested the death penalty for the defendant in the high-profile Shakhurah murder case. The prosecution asserted in both its written and oral submissions that a medical committee’s report confirmed the defendant's full criminal responsibility at the time of the crime.

The prosecution emphasized that the medical findings refuted any claims of diminished mental capacity or criminal accountability. It also pointed to testimony from the defendant’s own brother, who stated to prosecutors that the defendant’s mental health had significantly improved.

Defense Cites Past Psychiatric History

In response, the defendant’s lawyer maintained his client’s plea of limited responsibility and presented hospital admission records dating back approximately 25 years. He requested that the defendant’s complete medical file be submitted to the court and that a new evaluation be conducted by a specialized medical board to assess his mental state during the incident.

During direct questioning by the presiding judges, the defendant claimed he has a medical history but could not recall the events of the crime.

Court Orders Medical Review

The High Criminal Court has scheduled a further session for June 16, during which the defendant will be examined by a specialized medical committee. The panel has been tasked with submitting a detailed report outlining whether the defendant was mentally responsible at the time of the incident. The court also ordered that his full medical history be added to the case documents.

Victim’s Family Seeks Compensation

Also during the session, attorney Abdulrahman Ghoneim submitted a memorandum on behalf of the victim’s family, requesting financial compensation. He argued that all elements of the crime had been proven against the defendant, who has left behind a grieving family, including children — the youngest of whom is just two years old.