PUBLIC officials releasing confidential information or spreading photographs or videos of accidents and victims could face up to five years in prison, it has been reaffirmed.
Civilians engaging in this behaviour can face up to six months in jail and a BD50 fine as stipulated in the 1976 Penal Code.
Such actions cause a negative impact on the community as a whole, the Interior Ministry said yesterday.
The right to privacy is guaranteed by the Islamic Sharia, the Constitution and the International Human Rights Conventions, it added.
“This behaviour is a threat to society as some may take advantage of the rapid growth of information technology and abuse this especially after the emergence of social media,” said a statement.
“Taking pictures of victims of car accidents and publishing them through social media is a violation of the privacy of these individuals in addition to being inconsiderate to the feelings of their families.
“This is a criminal offence which has multiple negative consequences such as violating the sanctity of those injured or dead causing psychological harm to them and their families.
“Those also stopping to photograph accidents obstruct traffic which may delay the arrival of the ambulance, the police or the Civil Defence preventing them from doing their duties.”
The ministry also reaffirmed that such behaviour impedes the investigation into crimes and accidents as photographs and videos create a culture of public opinion.
Individuals could face up to six months in jail in addition to a BD50 fine for publishing or spreading secrets of a family of individuals – even if they are true – if publishing would offend them.
“A person, who by virtue of his profession or status, is entrusted with a secret will face up to one year in jail and a BD100 fine for disclosing this information (other than those authorised by the law) or using it for their own benefit without permission.
“The penalty shall be imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years if the offender is a public servant or assigned to a public service and the information was disclosed during, because of or on the occasion of performing his duties.”
Meanwhile, lawyers have also warned of penalties imposed for sharing graphic pictures of accidents on social media.
This followed the circulation of photos of the accident in Hidd on Monday in which five people were killed.
Lawyers said that this practice affects the victims’ families psychologically and causes them a great deal of trauma.
In addition, they highlighted the misuse of social media and how technology can cause a negative impact on society.
Ms Al Sabagh
Lawyer Ibtisam Al Sabagh said that people were racing to be the first to post pictures of accidents on social media.
“Everyone wants to be the first to put the pictures of accidents or serious incidents without paying attention to the psychological trauma to the victims and their families,” she told the GDN.
“This is unacceptable, besides being illegal.”
Mr Khalifa
Lawyer Ali Khalifa said the number of cases connected with social media has increased recently.
“Posting pictures of accidents on social media is against the law and violates the privacy of people,” he said.
“The misuse of social media has been on the rise and we see a clear increase in the number of cases in court connected to this.
“Only official sources are allowed to take photos of such incidents and people cannot share them.
“If you get such pictures on your mobile phones you should delete them because you can be held accountable.”
Lawyer Deenah Al Qumaish said that graphic pictures taken of fatal accidents are being shared “heartlessly” by people on social media.
“People have to think compassionately about those who die in accidents, and their families,” she said.
“The families of people involved in fatal accident are in great deal of pain and sharing such pictures is a heartless act.”
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