DAMMAM, Nov 11(Arab News): Qatari authorities on Wednesday released the last two of the six Saudi fishing boats that were detained after straying into Qatari territorial waters in August. Four boats were released last Thursday.
Boat owners had attributed the delay in the release of the two boats to the completion of formalities. The delay was also attributed to differences of opinion among the judges dealing with the case.
Earlier information indicated that the judges were to release the boats on Thursday. But quick action by the lawyer representing the Saudi side resulted in the formalities being completed one day in advance.
However, 28 fishermen who were on board the six boats are still in jail. The court has set Dec. 2 to hear the appeal of the fishermen, all Indian nationals, against an earlier verdict that sentenced them to jail terms and fines.