Government rejects MPs’ call to freeze transactions over consumer law complaints

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The government has rejected an urgent parliamentary request to freeze all government transactions for individuals accused of violating the Consumer Protection Law, saying a complaint alone does not prove wrongdoing.

In a written reply to Parliament, authorities explained that a breach is only confirmed after a final criminal judgment. Until then, the person involved cannot be treated as a proven violator, and suspending government dealings based solely on a complaint would amount to acting before the courts have ruled.

The proposal called for a blanket suspension of transactions under Law No. 35 of 2012 on Consumer Protection. The government said such a measure is unnecessary, pointing out that the law already imposes strong deterrents. Articles 18 to 22 set criminal penalties for proven violations, while Article 23 allows administrative action, including warnings, temporary closures, or removal from the commercial register for up to six months.

Authorities warned that implementing the proposal could unfairly penalize people if complaints are unfounded or malicious. They added that the existing combination of criminal and administrative sanctions is more effective than freezing government transactions, and already achieves the intended protective measures.