Latest news with #Decree-LawNo.13
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Arab Times
New Law Targets Knife-Wielding Thugs and Gun-Toting Vandals in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 3: Kuwait has launched a major crackdown on dangerous weapons, including machetes, air guns, and even silencers, amid growing fears over rising violence and street intimidation. A newly issued decree-law has introduced sweeping changes to the country's decades-old weapons legislation, giving authorities the power to license, restrict, or revoke ownership of all types of weapons – and to jail anyone caught carrying them illegally. The move comes as officials raise the alarm over the alarming spread of individuals brandishing bladed and air weapons to assault or terrorize members of the public. According to the government's explanatory note, the widespread misuse of such weapons has become a 'serious threat to public security', prompting urgent legal intervention. The original law (Decree-Law No. 13 of 1991 ) had been in place for more than 30 years, but officials say the security situation has evolved dramatically, demanding stronger legal measures. Under the updated law, even the name of the decree has been changed to: 'Regarding Weapons, Ammunition, Bladed Weapons, and Dangerous Air Weapons' – reflecting the broadened scope of regulation. What the Law Says Now: No one may possess or acquire any weapon or ammunition without a license issued by the Minister of Interior or his delegate. Authorities now have the power to reject, cancel, or modify licenses at will, without explanation. Carrying bladed or air weapons in public or prohibited places is banned unless the person has a clear personal or professional reason. Total ban on heavy-duty weapons, including cannons, machine guns, and silencers, under any circumstances. Legal experts say the new law introduces harsh penalties for violators, aiming to send a strong message of deterrence amid growing concern over public safety. Security analysts have welcomed the move, calling it a 'long-overdue' step to rein in illegal weapons that are often seen in street fights, tribal disputes, and even celebratory shootings.
Daily Tribune
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
MPs set to debate public debt hike to BD18 bn
Lawmakers will next week debate two emergency decree-laws that would raise Bahrain's public debt ceiling—first to BD16 billion, then to BD18bn— to give the government more financial flexibility in tackling budget shortfalls and maturing repayments. The first, Decree-Law No. 13 of 2023, proposes amendments to Bahrain's 1977 law on development bonds. If approved, it would authorise the Finance Minister, in coordination with the Central Bank, to issue treasury bills, Sharia-compliant instruments, and other borrowing tools both domestically and abroad, within a BD16bn cap. Instruments could be issued in Bahraini dinars or other convertible currencies and reissued upon maturity. Parliament's Financial and Economic Affairs Committee first reviewed the law in early 2024, but MPs returned it for further study. A revised report is now set for discussion, after the Finance Ministry warned of a growing gap in financing needs for 2023 and 2024, driven by over BD4bn in debt and interest repayments. By September 2023, Bahrain's oil revenues stood at BD1.43bn, with public debt exceeding 103% of GDP. The Finance Ministry argued that the new language—particularly the term 'other credit facilities'—modernises the law to reflect tools used by today's financial markets, enabling Bahrain to manage mounting liabilities and adapt to global interest rate volatility. Although Decree-Law 13 was passed in 2023, it has not yet received final parliamentary ratification. Meanwhile, a second measure—Decree-Law No. 10 of 2024—was issued in August, further lifting the cap to BD18bn. It took legal effect immediately after being published in the Official Gazette, but is also awaiting parliamentary sign-off. The committee evaluated the second decree across five meetings between October 2024 and April 2025, studying financial records, legal input and responses from the Finance Ministry. Its final report, submitted on April 20, found the move legally sound under Article 38 of the Constitution, which permits temporary legislation by royal decree when Parliament is in recess. Bahrain ran a budget deficit of BD774 million in 2023 and expects this to increase to BD904m in 2024—nearly BD1bn above initial budget estimates. According to the Finance Minister, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, contributing factors include BD1bn in unpaid gas bills by the Electricity and Water Authority, overspending on social welfare, and delayed support payments under the Fiscal Balance Programme. The Central Bank confirmed the move fell within budget law provisions. Officials warned that without legal approval for the new debt ceiling, the government could face constitutional challenges in meeting its obligations. Under the BD18bn cap, bonds and similar instruments can be reissued as they mature, provided total borrowing remains within the approved limit.
