New law allows judges to impose fines up to BD 3,000, sometimes bypassing full trials/Image: File
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has enacted Decree-Law No. (32) of 2025, introducing significant amendments to Bahrain’s Criminal Procedure Law. The changes, targeting minor criminal offenses, streamline prosecution and empower Public Prosecution to handle such cases more efficiently, emphasizing prompt justice, reduced caseloads, and proportionality of penalties.TL;DR:
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″> Public Prosecution can now issue criminal orders for lesser crimes, promoting quicker resolutions.
- Background:Decree-Law No. (32) of 2025 amends Bahrain’s criminal legal framework as outlined in Decree-Law No. (46) of 2002. The new provisions are the result of a proposal by the Prime Minister and Cabinet approval.Article 273:
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″> This can be decided based on available evidence and investigation reports, without a formal trial or public hearing.
Article 274:
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″> The court can also issue acquittals, dismiss civil claims, or suspend enforcement of the penalty as warranted by the case.
Article 280 (First Paragraph):
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″> The criminal orders can only impose fines up to BD 2,000 and supplementary penalties.
- Implementation: The decree instructs the Prime Minister and responsible ministers to implement these amendments, which come into force the day after their official publication in the gazette.
Purpose and impact
These reforms are aimed at:
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″> Reducing strain on Bahrain’s courts by resolving less-serious cases without lengthy trials.
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″> Allowing courts and prosecutors to focus resources on more serious criminal matters.
King Hamad’s new criminal procedure decree marks a move towards smarter, more efficient justice for minor offenses in Bahrain, promoting swift accountability and proportional punishment while reducing unnecessary delays.
FAQ
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″> 2. What is the maximum fine for minor offenses under the new decree?
Courts can impose fines up to BD 3,000; Public Prosecution criminal orders are capped at BD 2,000. - p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″> 4. Can penalties be issued without a trial?
Yes, in many minor cases, fines and supplementary penalties can be decided on evidence without holding a public hearing. - Go to Source
