Bahrain: Terror suspects and wanted individuals will see all financial aid and benefits given by the government stopped from the moment they are summoned to the Public Prosecution for interrogation.
The Cabinet approved a proposal in this regard at its weekly session, at Gudaibiya Palace, yesterday.
Information, Parliament and Shura Affairs Minister and official government spokesman Isa Al Hammadi told a post-session Press conference that the government took the decision considering the enormity of the crimes the suspects are accused of.
He said it was illogical to pay aid and benefits to suspects considering the nature of crimes they are involved in or charges brought against them by prosecutors.
However, Mr Al Hammadi said all payments will be reinstated backdated if a final verdict is issued by courts clearing them of all charges or prosecutors decide to close the cases against them without further action.
The proposal approved by the Cabinet yesterday was submitted by Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
“The government can’t give financial aid and benefits to terror suspects taking into consideration that they are planning, plotting or have executed terrorist acts that directly harm the country,” said Mr Al Hammadi.
“The enormity of their actions require us to take measures against them and for that reason all financial help will be stopped immediately from the moment they are summoned by prosecutors,” he said.
“The aid will be reinstated backdated from the moment that all charges against them are dropped by prosecutors or courts clear them through a final verdict.”
Meanwhile, the Cabinet approved another proposal from Shaikh Rashid to form a national committee to monitor donations and cash flow.
The panel has been tasked with following up on all collections or dealings that are for non-public purposes or “causes” deemed money laundering.
The aim of the proposal is to stop collections that may harm the country’s interests and clamp down on money used for, or directed towards, illegal purposes or groups with evil intentions towards Bahrain.
A media plan to deal with the main themes the government action plan was endorsed. Two proposals on a specialised rehabilitation centre for children with autism and a care centre for people with mental disorders were discussed, said Cabinet secretary-general Dr Yasser Al Nasser.
The Cabinet also approved an urgent proposal by Shaikh Rashid to have all commercial establishments, industries and factories set up surveillance cameras and monitoring devices within their facilities. They must be in operation 24 hours a day with a control room and possible connection to the Interior Ministry network if needed.
However, this equipment will be prohibited in bedrooms, physiotherapy facilities, toilets and washrooms, changing rooms, and places specially designated for women.
The Cabinet also approved a co-operation agreement with India to combat international terrorism and drug dealing and referred it to the National Assembly.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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