MANAMA: A Bahraini jailed in Thailand on human trafficking charges could be released in the coming weeks, according to his family, who claimed they yesterday received confirmation from a Foreign Ministry official.

Mohammed Ebrahim Yousif was arrested in November 2009 at Pattaya’s Marine Plaza Hotel and jailed for eight years in December 2010. His family claims he is innocent and has been campaigning for his release.

“I got a call from an official from the Foreign Ministry in Bahrain, who told me to get ready as my brother will be released on bail on December 18,” said Mr Yousif’s brother, Khalifa.

He told the GDN his brother’s lawyer in Thailand had also confirmed the news, but added he cannot leave the country until the case is in the court.

A Thai court had convicted Mr Yousif of trafficking women from Thailand to Bahrain for prostitution.

Prosecutors argued he was part of a gang of overseas traffickers with known members in Bahrain and Thailand.

He was reported to Thai police by a Thai woman in Bahrain, who claimed he brought her here to work in a massage parlour, but forced her into the flesh trade.