Latest news with #LeenaQassim
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Bahrain: Amendments to juvenile justice law approved
Bahrain - The Shura Council unanimously approved government-drafted amendments to the 2021 Juvenile Justice and Protection Law, during its weekly session yesterday. The major reforms in the sentencing of minors have been previously unanimously approved by Parliament. If a juvenile commits a crime punishable by death, the sentence will now be reduced to temporary imprisonment or a minimum of one year in detention. For crimes punishable by life or temporary imprisonment, similar reductions will apply. Judges will have greater flexibility to replace mandatory minimum sentences for misdemeanours with lesser or alternative penalties. Courts will review rehabilitation progress every six months and may modify or terminate penalties based on the child's improvement. 'The proposed legislation reflects a national commitment to protecting children's rights and fostering their reintegration into society through tailored, rehabilitative interventions,' said Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda. 'Courts will now have greater authority to impose flexible, child-focused measures that seek to address the root causes of delinquent behaviour,' he added. 'Instead of placing minors in detention centres, judges may order judicial probation within the child's natural environment. 'This probation, co-ordinated by the Child Protection Centre (CPC) and the Interior Ministry's relevant department, cannot exceed three years.' He added that courts will also have the ability to impose geographical movement restrictions and limit access to certain websites or digital platforms, ranging from two to 12 hours per day – provided these restrictions do not interfere with education, religious practices or work-related duties. 'Judges may require a child to remain at home under the supervision of a parent or responsible adult, who will be obliged to provide regular compliance reports. 'The CPC and Interior Ministry will closely monitor the progress of any child placed under rehabilitation.' Shura Council woman and child committee chairwoman Leena Qassim stressed that the amendments were designed to enhance the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system while safeguarding the child's best interests. 'This legislation strikes a crucial balance between accountability and rehabilitation,' she said. 'We are ensuring that children in conflict with the law are treated fairly and given a real chance at reform. 'Expanding the role of the Child Protection Centre and introducing more flexible judicial measures will provide these children with the guidance and support they need to reintegrate successfully into society.' The committee's rapporteur Dr Fatima Al Kooheji noted that the law also strengthened the role of the CPC in preparing judicial assessments and allows the Interior Ministry to follow up on cases and recommend changes in sentencing at any time – without being bound to specific time frames. 'This law enables courts to impose alternative rehabilitative measures even in felonies if mitigating circumstances exist,' she said. 'It supports judicial monitoring of the child's progress during sentence execution and enhances CPC's role in follow-up.' The new amendments further expand the types of alternative penalties, including prohibiting access to specific websites, mandatory admission to psychological care facilities and periodic attendance at security agencies. 'The goal is to adopt rehabilitative measures that reduce incarceration, protect family bonds and facilitate reintegration,' Dr Al Kooheji explained. 'The law designates the Interior Ministry as the main agency for enforcement, with implementation co-ordinated with the Supreme Judicial Council and the Public Prosecution.' The legislation has been referred to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Bahrain: Child Law amendments approved
Bahrain - The Shura Council has unanimously approved amendments to the 2012 Child Law to ensure compliance with licensing protocols, improving oversight and align national laws with international child welfare and disability rights standards. The proposal to introduce stricter licensing requirements and clearer penalties for violations related to the establishment and management of childcare facilities was introduced by five members, led by Dr Fatima Al Kooheji. It will be now drafted into a proper legislation by the government and returned to the National Assembly within six months. A key amendment to Article 20 of the law stipulates that no nursery may be established without obtaining a licence from the Education Ministry. Furthermore, no nursery may be operated, relocated or have its specifications altered without the ministry's approval. This provision is designed to prevent unauthorised establishments from operating without proper oversight and ensures that all childcare facilities adhere to government regulations. Additionally, an amendment to Article 63 explicitly defines penalties for operating unlicensed nurseries or making modifications without official approval. 'Anyone who establishes a nursery without a licence will face imprisonment and a fine ranging from BD200 to BD1,000, or one of these two penalties,' it says. 'Anyone who operates a nursery or makes changes to its location or specifications without approval from the Education Ministry will be subject to the same penalties.' Woman and child committee chairwoman Leena Qassim said that the proposed amendments address legislative gaps in the existing law to deter unregulated operations, ensuring that nurseries meet safety and educational standards set by authorities. Committee vice-chairwoman and rapporteur Ejlal Bubshait said the proposal clarified the obligations outlined in Article 20 of the law, violations of which are subject to criminal penalties under Article 63. She also stressed that the amendments distinguished between actions that required a licence and those that only required approval. Dr Al Kooheji said the proposed amendments are expected to enhance the regulatory framework governing nurseries and kindergartens in Bahrain, ensuring that only licensed institutions operate while penalising unauthorised activities. 'The new law will significantly strengthen oversight and enforcement mechanisms, improving the safety and quality of childcare services across the kingdom.' Education Ministry Under-Secretary Nawal Al Khater expressed strong support for the amendments. 'Establishing a nursery or kindergarten requires a formal licence from the ministry,' she said. 'Operating such facilities or making modifications, such as expansions, requires prior approval but does not necessitate a separate licence. The revised law correctly distinguishes between licensing for establishment and approval for modifications, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met.' However, Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi noted that the ministry could not provide a final stance until the government conducted comprehensive consultations with all relevant authorities. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Amendments to Consumer Protection Law approved
Bahrain - Telemarketers bothering people could face action under measures approved unanimously by the Shura Council yesterday. In a bid to protect consumer rights and regulate advertising practices, five members, led by woman and child committee chairwoman Leena Qassim, have proposed amendments to the 2012 Consumer Protection Law. The changes seek to oblige telemarketers and advertisers to ensure that their communications do not intrude on consumers' personal time or create unwelcome disturbances. This initiative follows increasing public complaints about unsolicited and intrusive advertising practices, including phone calls, text messages and other forms of direct marketing. Shura Council financial and economic affairs committee chairman Khalid Al Maskati, whose committee recommended the go-ahead for the move, said numerous countries were taking serious action against telemarketers. 'It is an annoying practice to market products and services to people, who most of the time are not interested,' he said. 'Tough measures are necessary. 'Some countries have gone to the extent of disconnecting the phones of such telemarketers.' Ms Qassim said telemarketing continues to be a mean of advertisement but is, however, misused. 'We are seeking a balanced approach in which telemarketing is done sensibly and without harassing and bothering people,' she explained. 'Consumer and information protection is something that has to be respected at all time.' Member Fouad Al Haji said people were suffering from telemarketing. However, he added, that even if restrictions are imposed on local telemarketing, it is a completely different game with international telemarketers. 'Strict measures need to cover international telemarketers too and this amendment has to address the matter from all aspects.' Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro said the move was important but changes to the law was not the right approach. 'The Consumer Protection Directorate has no power, authority, capability or jurisdiction to monitor such calls. Neither does it have access to phone numbers or the people behind it, or the nature of any phone call,' he explained. 'Also restricting the monitoring just in this law would affect other sectors in which people are harassed. 'Also, disturbance is a vague term; what bothers someone may be fine with another.' He pointed out that the directorate would be obliged to take action against all callers, even if it is just one call. 'The ministry will be bombarded with malice-natured complaints from people with a grudge against a business or company. This will just waste time and effort that could be directed to genuine cases.' Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has issued rules for bulk commercial messages whether as advertisements or offering services or goods. 'We are also working with concerned parties on updates to properly enforce the rules.' The proposal will be now drafted into a proper legislation by the government and returned to the National Assembly for review. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Bahrain: Proposal on construction work timing is approved
Bahrain - A proposal to prohibit construction, demolition, digging or drilling during specified hours or days in residential neighbourhoods was approved by the Shura Council unanimously yesterday. Five members, led by Leena Qassim, last year proposed the inclusion of a new article to the 1977 Buildings Law to restrict work during certain hours and days following public complaints. Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh had forwarded it to the public utilities and environment affairs committee for review in March. Mr Al Saleh The panel recommended that it be given the go-ahead following an additional amendment to include 'exceptions' that would be determined by the responsible ministry. Public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Dr Mohammed Hassan said a balanced approach was necessary to protect people's peace of mind and ensure developmental progress is not disrupted. Dr Al Hassan 'There are work and submission deadlines for projects that should be respected and sometimes it is required that work is done at night,' he said. 'This comes as to ensure people are able to go to work or school without getting stuck in traffic.' Ms Qassim Ms Qassim said Bahrain was witnessing a surge in urban development that has seen the emergence of new social housing towns and projects and generally an increase in the number of housing units, apartment buildings and residential villas. 'The construction sector continues to grow with numerous real estate and social homes financing programmes launched by the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry,' she added. 'However, contractors of road, sewage and electricity and water infrastructure projects cannot show up on site whenever they like and start their work. 'Why can't construction work be done in a sensible way? Residents must be alerted about the timings or noise buffers must be used.' Member Dr Fatima Al Kooheji suggested that the ban should be extended to include educational areas. Dr Al Kooheji 'Students find it difficult to concentrate and focus when there are construction, demolition, digging or drilling work ongoing,' she added. 'Imagine if it is exam time.' Member Dr Abdulaziz Abul said the issue was irritating especially when people are trying to rest during the weekend and public holidays. 'Also, working early in the morning robs people of much-needed sleep as they try going to work or school.' Meanwhile, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said the restrictions sought in the law were already being implemented through the 2012 Private Sector Employment Law. He also pointed out that the chosen law is wrong considering it deals with construction regulations related to permits, and technical and structural assessment and has no reference whatsoever to timings. 'The Supreme Council for the Environment can easily tackle the issue of noise through its jurisdictions and authorities,' he said. 'Environmental rules deal with pollution including noise levels and work timings. 'However, we believe that the amended version gives us flexibility to decide on necessary action should there be a need to work off days or hours whenever the legislation is passed.' Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi pointed out that determining work hours would come under her authority as head of urban planning and development. Meanwhile, Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah stressed the need to better communicate with citizens and residents regarding the timings of construction work. The legislation will be now drafted as a proper law by the government within six months. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
