Prosecutors seek death sentence for man accused of murdering neighbour in Shakhura

TDT | Manama

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Prosecutors have called for the death sentence for a man accused of murdering his neighbour in Shakhura, insisting a psychiatric report shows he was fully aware of his actions.

Addressing the High Criminal Court yesterday, the Public Prosecution said the defendant, in his forties, had planned the killing and carried it out with intent.

A medical panel confirmed he bore full responsibility at the time of the attack.

Sound mind

Claims that he was not of sound mind were brushed aside.

The prosecution cited a statement from the defendant’s brother, who said his mental condition had improved, and stressed that the forensic report ruled out any disorder affecting his judgement.

The defence maintained its position.

Records

The lawyer presented records showing his client had been admitted to hospital some 25 years ago and urged the court to include the full medical file in the case.

He also asked that the defendant be reassessed by a medical committee to determine whether he could be held to account for his actions.

Asked directly by the judges, the defendant said he had a medical history but could not remember what happened on the day in question.

The court ordered a new review by the relevant medical panel and set 16 June for the examination.

State of mind

A full report is to be submitted, focusing on the defendant’s state of mind during the incident.

His medical file will be attached to the case papers.

In the same hearing, lawyer Abdulrahman Ghonaim filed a request for compensation.

He said the crime had left the victim’s children fatherless, the youngest being only two, and argued that the impact of the act warranted redress.

Body

The case began when police in the Northern Governorate found a body near a house in Shakhura. The victim had been stabbed several times.

Prosecutors and forensic experts were dispatched to the scene, where the body was inspected and evidence gathered.

Samples were collected for testing and witness statements taken.

Security camera footage helped identify the suspect, who turned out to be a neighbour and a relative of the victim.

Arrest

He was arrested on the orders of the Prosecution.

During questioning, he admitted to the killing.

He said he had lain in wait for the victim due to an old dispute and attacked him with a knife as he stepped out of his home.