Minister warns against questioning Bahraini judicial system’s integrity

Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa has said that Bahrain is a state built on institutions in which the rule of law prevails and functioning within the law, following the path of reforms and ensuring that justice is done remain primary concerns for the Kingdom. Referring to the case of Hakeem Al Araibi, he said that external interference in the internal affairs of Bahrain is unacceptable.

“Those raising unfounded doubts about the integrity and independence of the Kingdom’s judicial system are not only interfering but also attempting to influence the course of justice.” The Interior Minister said that Al Araibi was sentenced to 10 years in jail after being convicted in absentia for participation in a case of terrorism in 2012, which had involved an arson attack, possession of inflammable bombs and causing damage to public and private property.

“Those who speak now of Al Araibi having been mistreated and those who question the integrity of Bahrain’s courts ignore the fact that Al Araibi was released on bail of BD 100 by the courts.