MPs are set to vote to agree with Shura Council amendments to the 1976 Penal Code.
The amended Article 370 of the legislation recommends jail terms of up to three years and fines ranging from BD500 to BD1,000 on ‘Peeping Toms’ and individuals found guilty of taking or spreading inappropriate photographs or videos of others, or those injured in traffic accidents.
The punishment also extends to those convicted of editing or broadcasting the pictures or videos, and those who record and broadcast a ‘private conversation’, spread rumours intended to harm others, or circulate images of those injured or killed in accidents.
Defamation through mass media could lead to jail for up to three years or fines of between BD1,000 and BD3,000. Should multiple related offences be committed, the fine would range from BD3,000 to BD5,000 with the violator facing jail time of up to five years.
Under proposed amendments to Article 372, those who open or read private communications could face jail sentences of up to three years and fines of between BD500 and BD1,000.
Leaking information from letters or calls would carry a fine of between BD500 and BD1,000, or jail time of up to three years or both.
However, if the offence is carried out intentionally to cause harm, then the fine jumps to between BD2,000 and BD5,000, or jail for up to three years, or both.
Under Article 354, inciting others to public indecency in words or actions could lead to fines of between BD100 and BD1,000, jail of between three to six months, or both.
Currently, offenders face a spell behind bars for up to three months and fines of just BD20.
If MPs agree, it will be ratified by His Majesty King Hamad.
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