MPs have been urged to reconsider a proposed amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code that would extend the deadline for objecting to criminal orders from seven days to one month.
The government warned that the move could undermine swift justice and conflict with established legislative policy.
In a detailed memorandum submitted to Parliament by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the government said the proposed change to Article 277 of the Criminal Procedure Code risks stripping the criminal order system of its exceptional nature.
The memorandum explained that the system was designed to resolve minor offences quickly, without the need for lengthy investigations or full trials. “Speed and procedural efficiency are the cornerstone of this system,” the government argued, stressing that the current seven-day objection period already provides sufficient protection for defendants’ rights.
Extending the deadline to one month, the government said, would unnecessarily delay the resolution of minor cases and reduce the system to the same pace as ordinary litigation.
Despite these objections, MPs voted to refer the government-drafted legislation – prepared on the basis of the parliamentary proposal – to the foreign affairs, defence and national security committee for further review.
Meanwhile, a vote on a proposed amendment to Bahrain’s Penal Code – that would delay the deportation of convicted foreigners until their financial obligations are settled – has been postponed for two weeks.
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