Police claims denied
Published: 12th March 2008
A DEFENCE lawyer yesterday attacked “contradictory” evidence against a 22-year-old Bahraini accused of hurling a Molotov cocktail at a police vehicle.
Police say the night attack involved around 20 masked youths, yet it is claimed that they could still recognise the defendant, even in the dark, said Isa Ibrahim Mohammed.
One police witness says the defendant hurled the firebomb at the left side of the vehicle, another threw it at the right side, Mr Mohammed told the High Criminal Court.
Police claims denied
Published: 12th March 2008
A DEFENCE lawyer yesterday attacked “contradictory” evidence against a 22-year-old Bahraini accused of hurling a Molotov cocktail at a police vehicle.
Police say the night attack involved around 20 masked youths, yet it is claimed that they could still recognise the defendant, even in the dark, said Isa Ibrahim Mohammed.
One police witness says the defendant hurled the firebomb at the left side of the vehicle, another threw it at the right side, Mr Mohammed told the High Criminal Court.
He again sought bail for his client, but the court, presided over by Judge Shaikh Mohammed bin Ali Al Khalifa, rejected his plea.
Mr Ibrahim also sought bail for his client last month, arguing that he had classes and exams to attend at the Bahrain Training Institute.
But the court rejected the plea, saying police would escort the defendant to the BTI if he had exams to sit.
The defendant denies hurling a Molotov cocktail at a police vehicle and taking part in an illegal gathering in Sitra on December 17.
Mr Mohammed submitted his defence papers to the court yesterday, challenging the evidence given by police at the scene.
“One of the policemen in his statement as a witness said there were about 20 masked men on the night of December 17, 2007, and all were hurling burning Molotov cocktail bombs at the police vehicle,” said Mr Mohammed.
“Yet the policeman recognised only the defendant. How could he recognise a masked man in the dark, out of more than 20 people?”
He said two policemen gave conflicting evidence over which side of the vehicle the firebomb, which did not explode, was hurled at.
“So there are contradicting statements from the witnesses,” said Mr Mohammed. I request the court to acquit my client.” The court adjourned the case until April 20, to give its verdict. aslam@gdn.com.bh
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