PROSECUTORS have agreed to investigate claims that a 10-year-old Bahraini died as a result of complications from inhaling tear gas.

Ali Jaafar Habeeb Ibrahim was earlier diagnosed with cancer and admitted to Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad on June 17.

He was pronounced dead at 12.50am local time last Thursday as a result of cardiac failure, according to Bahrain’s Health Ministry.

But relatives have reportedly refused to accept that his death was caused by cancer.

Lawyer Mervat Janahi yesterday confirmed the family had filed a complaint at the Bahrain International Airport police station – as soon as they returned home with his body.

“The family has filed a complaint at the airport police station against the Interior Ministry,” she said.

“It has been transferred to the Public Prosecution, which is currently investigating the matter.

“If the boy was proved to have been exposed to tear gas, the complaint will be turned into a case.”

Ali leaves behind his parents, brother Mohammed and sister Abrar, who live in Malkiya.

He was first admitted to the Salmaniya Medical Complex on December 11 last year and diagnosed with lymphatic cancer.

However, he was discharged from the hospital on Christmas Day at the request of his parents.

Ms Janahi also confirmed the family had filed a similar complaint following the death of Ali’s grandfather in January.

Symptoms

“If it was only him (Ali) we might have believed it was God’s will, but his grandfather got it at the same time as well and had the same symptoms,” said the boy’s father Jaafar.

“We refuse to believe it was natural for both of them to get cancer and I want the truth to be told.”
basma@gdn.com.bh