King Hamad Issues New Law on Minor Crimes and Fines

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has issued Decree-Law No. (32) of 2025, amending certain provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law issued under Decree-Law No. (46) of 2002. The decree was issued following a proposal by the HRH Prime Minister and approval by the Cabinet.

The amendments focus on the procedures for handling minor criminal offenses and the powers of the Public Prosecution:

Article 273: The Public Prosecution can request a judge of the Minor Court to impose a fine of up to 3,000 Bahraini dinars, instead of pursuing a larger penalty or imprisonment, based on the circumstances of the case. This can be done using evidence and investigation reports without a formal trial or hearing.

Article 274: Decisions under this procedure are limited to fines not exceeding 3,000 dinars, along with related supplementary penalties and costs. The court may also issue acquittals, reject civil claims, or suspend enforcement of the penalty.

Article 280 (first paragraph): A Public Prosecutor of at least the rank of Deputy Public Prosecutor can issue criminal orders for offenses punishable by imprisonment of up to one year or fines exceeding 2,000 dinars, with the order limited to fines not exceeding 2,000 dinars and related supplementary penalties. Issuing such orders is mandatory for minor violations.

The decree instructs the Prime Minister and relevant ministers to implement the law, which takes effect the day after its publication in the official gazette.