The Indian Embassy in Bahrain has announced the repatriation of 28 Indian fishermen who were recently detained in the country. The fishermen, initially sentenced to six months in prison, had their terms reduced to three months, allowing for their earlier release.
The embassy, in a post on X, shared the update, saying, “India in Bahrain is pleased to announce repatriation of 28 Indian fishermen who were recently freed after reduction in sentence from 6 to 3 months. The embassy facilitated legal assistance and travel under GoI’s Indian Community Welfare Fund. Well-being of Indian nationals is our priority.”
The Indian Embassy also thanked the Bahraini authorities for “cooperation.” In another post on X, it wrote, “We thank the Bahraini authorities for cooperation & swift response including for providing consular access. Wishing them a safe return to their families in India.”
Earlier on September 26, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic initiatives to ensure consular access and legal assistance to secure an early release of 28 fishermen from the Idinthakarai fishing village of Tirunelveli district apprehended by the Bahrain Coast Guard on September 11.
In his letter, Stalin highlighted that the fishermen, employed in Iran, were apprehended by Bahrain’s Coast Guard on September 11 for allegedly crossing maritime borders. He noted that the boats they were operating belonged to Iranian nationals, and their arrest had severely impacted their families, who rely on their income.
“The families of the fishermen, who are highly dependent on their income, have been severely impacted by the arrest,” he said.
CM Stalin had also requested the EAM Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic initiatives to ensure consular access and legal assistance to secure the early release of the arrested fishermen. (ANI)
