Expat recounts Molotov ordeal in Bahrain
Manama, March 17, 2014
A man had to jump from a vehicle engulfed in flames after it was pelted with Molotov cocktails by a mob of anti-government thugs.
The Pakistani civilian had a narrow escape after petrol bombs landed inside the vehicle, turning it into a deadly fireball, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
He lost control and crashed into a lamppost, but was able to jump out through a window despite suffering burns to his head, back and hands.
Three men appeared in the High Criminal Court for the first time yesterday to plead not guilty to charges of attempted murder, arson, participating in an illegal gathering and possessing Molotov cocktails.
Five others still at large are being tried in absentia.
"I was driving my sponsor's vehicle, a blue Volkswagen, and was going to Riffa," the victim said as he recounted his ordeal to prosecutors.
"As I came to the big traffic light junction in Sanad at 7.30pm, I saw 40 masked men running and holding firebombs in their hands.
"They threw the Molotov cocktails at my car, which smashed the rear windshield.
"I looked and saw four firebombs had entered the vehicle and I was trapped in the fire. I didn't know what to do and panicked - fire and petrol were filling up the car.
"My car, which was engulfed in flames, crashed into a lamppost and I was very scared. I jumped out of the window near me to save my life.
"All the masked men then ran away and I was taken to hospital by ambulance.
"My hair, ears, nose, back and hands were all burnt as I tried to escape the fire."
The attack happened on Al Estiqlal Highway last September and up to 40 men are said to have been part of the armed mob, which also planted a hoax bomb.
Judges adjourned the trial yesterday until March 31 for review. - TradeArabia News Service
