MPs Seek Jail Terms for Insulting Islamic Figures
Five Bahraini MPs have proposed tougher penalties for publicly insulting prophets, the Prophet Mohammed’s family, his Companions or his wives, including up to five years in prison and a BD20,000 fine.
The proposal, submitted by MPs Mohammed Mousa, Bader Al Tamimi, Mohammed Salman Al Ahmed, Jameel Mulla Hassan and Ali Saqer Al Dosari, calls for a new Article 310 bis 1 to be added to the Penal Code.
Repeat offenders could face up to 10 years in prison and a BD40,000 fine, or either penalty.
The proposed offence would cover insults made publicly through writing, images, signs, performances, gestures, online posts and other electronic means.
The MPs said clearer legal provisions are needed as social media enables abusive content to spread rapidly, potentially fuelling sectarian tensions, religious hatred and social division.
They noted that existing Bahraini law already criminalises attacks on recognised religions and religious symbols but argued that specific protection for revered Islamic figures would provide greater clarity.
The proposal draws on legislation in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with Kuwait cited as the closer model for explicitly naming protected religious figures.
The MPs stressed that freedom of expression should not be used to justify religious insults or incitement against sections of society.
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