Tougher penalties for hoax bomb cases

Manama, Aug.15 (BNA): The Interior Ministry denied any Government plans to abrogate the criminalization of hoax bombs, which are planted with the intent to terrorise people and disrupt public security. "The Government has urged, on the contrary, tougher penalties for such acts which are considered as terrorist crimes", said the Legal Affairs Directorate, in response to press allegations. Under the law on protecting society from terrorist acts, anyone convicted of planting hoax bombs with the intent of terrorizing people and disrupting public security may be sentenced up to 15 years in jail. Meanwhile, the penal code stipulates more lenient sentences as convicts in hoax-bomb related cases risk to be sentenced to prison and / of fined. "Planting hoax bombs with the aim of terrorizing people and subverting public order are punishable under the penal code and the law on protecting society from terrorism", said Legal Affairs Director. He urged the media to ensure accuracy before publishing any news items to avert any misunderstanding or mistakes which may prejudice Bahrain's security and stability, amid volatile regional situation and growing terrorist threats.