Ex-Bahrain banker files UN complaint over travel ban

Manama, May 30, 2010

The former chief executive of Bahrain-based bank TIBC has filed a complaint at the United Nations against Bahrain for being prevented from leaving the kingdom for over 10 months, his lawyers said.

Glenn Stewart, a US citizen who is now back in his home country, had a travel ban issued against him in June 2009 related to the bank's troubles, they said.

"He is and has been unable to travel due to the wrongful and unfounded imposition of a travel ban imposed against him on or about June 29, 2009", his lawyers said in a letter to the United National Human Rights Council dated May 25.

He has now left Bahrain in defiance of the ban, his spokeswoman said.

A spokeswoman for Stewart told Reuters he had left Bahrain sometime late last week, but declined to provide details on how he managed to leave. Officials at Bahrain's public prosecution and the central bank were not immediately available for comment. 

In July 2009, Bahrain's central bank seized control of The International Banking Corporation and Awal Bank citing a shortfall in their assets compared to their liabilities.

Stewart's lawyers said the travel ban of unlimited duration had violated his human rights. -Reuters

Tags: Bahrain | Travel ban | banker | TIBC |