The Lower Criminal Court in Bahrain has acquitted a pianist and a hotel owner who were accused of providing services and working without permits. The initial ruling imposed fines and deportation on the defendants, which included the hotel owner, a singer, and the pianist. However, their lawyer, Abdulatheem Abbas Hubail, argued that their work fell under tourism laws rather than labour laws, therefore they should not have been charged. The court agreed with the defense and overturned the initial ruling, acquitting the hotel owner and the pianist.
The charges against the defendants were based on a report filed by a labour market regulator inspector on June 19, 2024. The initial ruling fined the defendants and ordered their deportation. The hotel owner was fined BD2000 for employing the singer and pianist illegally, while the other defendants received fines worth BD10 each. The singer did not appeal the sentence, but the pianist and hotel owner decided to challenge it, arguing that their work should be governed by tourism regulations.
According to Hubail, the employment of foreign artists in Bahrain is regulated by Ministerial Decree No. (2) of 1993, which classifies their engagement as a tourism service under tourism regulations. The lawyer presented evidence that the pianist held a valid work permit issued by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), contradicting the inspector’s report that claimed they worked without permits. The court found the prosecution’s evidence to be insufficient and ruled that the defendants’ work fell under tourism law, not labour law.
As a result of the court’s decision, the initial ruling was overturned, and the hotel owner and the pianist were acquitted. The singer’s fine was confirmed, but the deportation order was cancelled. This case highlights the importance of understanding the specific regulations that govern certain professions and industries, as it can make a significant difference in legal outcomes. It also emphasizes the need for thorough evidence to support any charges brought against individuals, ensuring a fair and just legal process.
In conclusion, the acquittal of the hotel owner and the pianist in this case serves as a reminder of the complexities of legal regulations and the importance of proper legal representation. By understanding and applying the relevant laws and regulations, individuals can protect themselves from unwarranted charges and ensure a fair legal process. The court’s decision to overturn the initial ruling demonstrates the significance of evidence in legal proceedings and the importance of a thorough defense strategy. Overall, this case highlights the need for clear and accurate interpretation of laws to prevent unjust outcomes and protect individuals’ rights and livelihoods.
