Inciting terrorism in Bahrain could soon result in a five-year prison sentence and fine of up to BD5,000 ($13,168) under a proposed strengthening of anti-terror legislation.

The proposed amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Law, which also applies to those who obtain leaflets or publications glorifying such extremist activities, was approved by the Shura Council yesterday (June 7), said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

It referred the amendment to article 11 of the law to the Cabinet, which will redraft it as formal legislation and submit it to parliament in October.

The measure has been backed by the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry, as well as the Interior.

Council member Ahmed Al Haddad said it was an important amendment due to ongoing regional issues, but stressed the importance of tackling root causes of terrorism.

“I think this change is important because the area, Bahrain specifically, is going through a process that isn’t normal, especially given Bahrain’s current situation,” he said.

“But when we talk about terrorism, we have to take into consideration the reason behind it – there are economic and social issues.

“When we go to a doctor, he prescribes the right medicine by understanding the cause and the same applies here.

“There should be forgiveness, understanding and a softening of harsh laws for certain cases.”

However, Bassam Albinmohammed, who spearheaded the proposal, said a tough approach was needed.

“The terrorism that happened recently in mosques in Dammam and Qatif, and what happens in our area such as attacks on policemen, would not have happened if they weren’t in a situation that proclaims them (perpetrators) martyrs and glorifies them,” he argued.

“We can’t look on embarrassed, without solving this from the root of the problem.

“As legislators, it’s our job to make the laws that prevent this.

“Countries like France are looking for reasons (of terrorism) and making the punishments harsher.”

Council member Sayed Deya’a Al Mousawi called for action to stop extremism and terrorism entering the country. “We live in an age full of fire and the question is, will we wait for it to come to Bahrain?” he asked.

“Iraq is now rife with terrorism, as is Syria and Lebanon.

“We need a law like this to keep this country safe.

“The past five years have given us a clear lesson in how inciters tend to sit relaxed and direct others, who take the fall for them as scapegoats.

“We must learn from our experience and make sure that Bahrain is safe at all levels.

“Bahrain will remain beautiful because of the church that stands next to the ma’atam that stands next to the mosque, no matter what people say about it, because this is our heritage.” - TradeArabia News Service