The Shura Council in Bahrain discussed the report of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security Committee regarding a draft law amending some provisions of the Penal Code and the report of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee on the proposed law amending some provisions of the Evidence Law in Civil and Commercial Matters.

Analysis
Protection of Modern Communication Means

The Council reviewed a report from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and National Security regarding a draft law to amend certain provisions of Bahrain Decree-Law No. 15/1976 on the Penal Law, and associated with Bahrain Decree No. 7/2024. The committee recommended approval of the draft law in principle.

This legislative proposal aims to safeguard modern communication devices such as mobile phones and laptops, which contain personal information, banking data, and other sensitive details. The law seeks to impose stricter penalties for the unlawful exploitation of such data, reflecting the increased reliance on these devices in daily life and the need for protective legislation.

Amendments to the Civil and Commercial Evidence Law

Additionally, the Council discussed a report from the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee on a proposed amendment to Bahrain Decree-Law No. 14/1996 on the Law of Evidence in Civil and Commercial Matters. The proposal suggests raising the maximum value threshold for legal transactions that can be proven by witness testimony from 500 to 1,000 dinars. This change considers the evolving economic conditions, the purchasing power of the currency, and the nature of current civil transactions. The committee recommended allowing consideration of this proposal, aligning with Bahrain’s legislative policy to update laws in response to economic developments.

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