A BAHRAINI family of 50 is appealing a court verdict that ordered their eviction by August 7 from a 103-year-old farm in Abu Saiba – their only source of income and a property they say is legally theirs.
The family has also launched a heartfelt appeal to the leadership, calling for urgent intervention to stop what they describe as a devastating injustice.
The Execution Court ruling, issued earlier this month, follows a case filed by the Health Ministry last year, and orders the complete removal of all livestock and the dismantling of the farm.
If the family does not comply, authorities have been ordered to forcibly clear the site, sell the animals in an auction and recover the costs from the family.
The Al Sayegh Farm, which covers more than 11,000 square metres, currently houses more than 200 cows, 1,000 sheep, 1,000 chickens, 30 camels, 10 horses and other animals and birds – all cared for by generations of the same family.
“We are devastated by this verdict,” said Hameed Al Sayegh, the family’s 46-year-old spokesman.
“This land is not just property; it is our life. We’ve been raising animals here for over a century. Our great-grandfather set up this farm, and now 50 members of our family depend on it for survival.”
Mr Al Sayegh said the family was never properly notified of any violations prior to the court case.
“The Health Ministry visited last year, and then we suddenly received a BD300 fine from the Public Prosecution – no warning, no inspection report, no chance to fix anything. We paid the fine immediately. But if we had known the nature of the complaints, we would have resolved them on the spot.”
He said the family was accused of failing to control sound and smell levels, and claimed they were willing to implement required systems similar to those used by the Delmon Poultry Company.
“We are more than ready to install soundproofing and odour-control equipment. But no one gave us a chance. We were not told what needed to be fixed; we were just dragged into court.”
The family insists the land is privately owned, with a legal title deed, and they have every right to remain on it. They claim the eviction was triggered by a complaint from a new neighbour who recently moved into the area and objected to the farm’s presence.
“We’ve been here for over 100 years without disturbing anyone. Now one complaint from a new neighbour puts our livelihood in jeopardy?” Mr Al Sayegh asked.
“This isn’t just about a legal technicality, this is about the livelihoods of 50 Bahrainis who have done nothing wrong.”
The family has now issued a direct appeal to the leadership of Bahrain, asking for mercy and a reconsideration of the court ruling.
“We plead with the leadership to look into our case with justice and compassion,” said Mr Al Sayegh.
“This land is not empty sand, it is home to generations. If we are removed, where will we go? How will we feed our families?”
“We will fight in court and have appealed for our livelihood even if it goes to the Cassation Court.”
In a statement addressed to the nation’s leadership, the family wrote:
“This land is our livelihood and the source of food and shelter for more than 50 Bahraini citizens. We humbly ask you our beloved leadership to protect our rights and our future. We are law-abiding citizens and hardworking professionals, and we have no other means of income. Please help us stay.”
With just over two weeks remaining until the eviction deadline, the family is urging a suspension of the verdict pending a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Health Ministry’s complaint and the legal process that followed.
“We are not asking for favours,” clarified Mr Al Sayegh.
“We are asking for fairness, and a chance to do what is needed to comply with regulations, not to be thrown out of land we legally own, based on a complaint we never got a chance to respond to.”
The family has vowed to pursue all legal and constitutional channels, but for now, their hope rests on royal intervention.
Area MP Mariam Al Sayegh and area councillor Tariq Al Farasani were unavailable for comment despite repeated calls and messages.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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