Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has ratified and issued Law (3) of 2025, which amends specific provisions of the Penal Code initially issued by Decree-Law 15 of 1976. This comes after receiving approval from both the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the new amendments introduce significant changes to Articles 380 and 396 of the existing Penal Code. Specifically, a new clause and paragraph have been added to Article 380, which now includes a provision concerning electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. These devices are defined as tools capable of receiving, transmitting, processing, storing, and retrieving data at high speed. The third paragraph of Article 380 stipulates that if theft involves these devices with the intent to access the information, data, or images they contain, the minimum penalty prescribed will be imprisonment for no less than one year.
Further amendments to Article 396 outline penalties involving electronic devices. The revised second and third paragraphs state that imprisonment for up to two years or a fine not exceeding five hundred dinars will be imposed if the crime involves such devices. Additionally, if the devices are seized to obtain the information, data, or images they contain, the penalty remains the same.
The implementation of this law has been entrusted to the Prime Minister and the concerned ministers, with the law set to take effect the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.