Manama: Bahrain's cabinet yesterday endorsed a proposal by the interior minister to push for the promulgation of tougher penalties against attacks on policemen.
The weekly session, devoted to the discussion of the security situation in Bahrain, made the decision after the ministers were briefed by Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa on the escalation of attacks targeting on-duty policemen.
"The Cabinet strongly condemned the attacks on policemen and putting their lives at risk while they are carrying out their duties," Kamal Bin Ahmad, the Cabinet Affairs Minister, said. "The Cabinet agreed to prepare a draft to amend the penal code and toughen penalties for attacking policemen," he said, following the session.
The draft will be presented to the bicameral parliament.
Paramount importance
Shaikh Rashid earlier called for the promulgation of tough laws to help end attacks on policemen.
"The mission of the police is to protect lives and maintain security and public order and we are confident they are up to their duties at all times and places," he said.
"However, the ongoing attacks on the policemen prompt me, in my capacity, to call for greater legal protection for them as I see that there are not enough deterring legal texts. I suggest 15 years in prison for those who plot and carry out attacks on policemen," he said in a statement carried by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
Shaikh Rashid said that the parliament should look urgently into the issue.
"The safety of policemen and their families is of paramount importance and it is our duty to secure it."