Tougher jail terms, fines proposed for fatal and negligent injury cases

TDT | Manama

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Tougher jail terms, fines proposed for fatal and negligent injury cases Mohammed Darwish TDT | Manama Hefty penalties and longer jail terms could soon be introduced for those found guilty in cases of fatal or negligent injury, under a new bill up for a vote in Parliament this Tuesday.

The proposed amendments set out prison terms of up to 10 years and fines reaching BD10,000 in the most serious cases, aligning penalties with those already applied under traffic laws.

Under the draft, harsher sentences would apply when aggravating factors are present — such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, running a red light, breaching basic duties at work, or failing to assist a victim despite being able to help.

For fatal incidents, courts could impose prison terms ranging from two to five years, with fines between BD2,000 and BD6,000. Where multiple deaths occur, the range would rise to two to seven years and BD3,000 to BD10,000 in fines. In cases involving both multiple deaths and an aggravating factor, sentences could extend from 3 to 10 years.

For negligent injury, the basic penalty would be up to one year in jail or a BD200 fine. If the injury causes a permanent disability or involves an aggravating factor, penalties would rise to one to five years in jail and BD1,000 to BD5,000 in fines. Multiple injuries would carry two to five years’ imprisonment and BD2,000 to BD8,000 fines, increasing to two to seven years where aggravating factors apply.

The Interior Ministry told MPs that some fatal accidents without aggravating elements currently result only in a fine or short jail term, while cases involving drink, drugs or reckless driving already attract tougher, mandatory penalties. The proposed change seeks to close the gap between the Penal Code and traffic laws, ensuring similar offences are treated with equal severity.

The Supreme Judicial Council said it is not authorised to comment on such legislative proposals.

Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security has recommended approving the bill, noting unanimous support among members present.