Gulf | Qatar
Qatar releases Bahraini fisherman three months after his arrest
The head of Bahrain coastguard said that Adel Al Taweel, 37, has been released by Qatari authorities on Monday.
- By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:01 September 7, 2010
- Image Credit: Supplied
- Al Taweel was detained on May 8 for allegedly entering Qatari waters illegally
Manama: Qatar has allowed a Bahraini fisherman to go home more than three months after he was arrested.
The head of Bahrain coastguard said that Adel Al Taweel, 37, has been released by Qatari authorities on Monday.
Al Taweel was detained on May 8 for allegedly entering Qatari waters illegally and resisting arrest. Qatari coast guards said that they shot him in the back after he ignored warning shots to leave the Qatari waters alongside two other ships.
Al Taweel was treated at a Qatari hospital, but when Bahrain wanted him back, Doha refused and insisted on his trial.
A mini crisis between Bahrain and Qatar erupted and Manama asked Doha to allow 107 Bahraini and Asian fishermen detained in Doha to go home. Bahrain also made moves to introduce new Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) charter to extend the privileges accorded to Gulf citizens to trade in the six GCC members to fishermen.
However, Qatar tried the fishermen and released all the Bahrainis after they paid fines for allegedly straying into Qatari waters. Despite being cleared by a local court, Al Taweel was not allowed to leave and had to stay in an apartment in Doha paid for by the Bahraini government.
His family repeatedly pleaded with the Qataris to release him before the start of Ramadan and, at a later stage, in time for Eid Al Fitr.
Bahrain and Qatar were embroiled in a border dispute that was resolved by the International Court of Justice in March 2001. Both countries accepted the verdict and pledged to reinforce cooperation at all levels.
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