Legal action over arrest of Bahrain fishermen detained by Qatar

Manama : Attorneys have been assigned by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain to secure the release of 19 Bahrain-based fishermen detained by the Qatari authorities recently.

Foreign Affairs Ministry affirmed in a statement issued yesterday that legal procedures are being taken to ensure the safety of the detained fishermen by the Qatari authorities and grant them all their rights, especially after the repetition of similar practices by the authorities in Qatar.

The statement followed the announcement made by the Coast Guard Commander Brigadier Ala’a Siyadi on Monday, confirming that the Qatari authorities had seized three Bahraini boats with 16 sailors on board earlier this week. The ministry confirmed in its statement that a legal firm has been tasked to follow up on the case.

“Dealing with these issues is governed by international treaties related to maritime safety and the need to comply with the legal procedures established in this regard. The ministry will continue its procedures and follow up on the matter until the detained seafarers and impounded fishing vessels are released at the earliest,” it was mentioned in the ministry’s statement.

As reported on Tuesday, Brigadier Siyadi confirmed that the number of Bahraini boats seized by Qatar has reached 15 boats and a total of 20 sailors are in the custody of Qatari authorities, adding that some of the boats had been seized as far back as 2009.

“Showing commitment to legal procedures in accordance with international conventions on maritime safety in this regard is important. The Coast Guard is taking the required steps to have the sailors and the boats released,” he added.