Bahraini.TV

MPs want Islamic law to curb crime

by mahmood on 05/04/06 at 8:01 am

A Bahraini MP yesterday called for the gradual introduction of Sharia (Islamic) law to deal with all criminals. Another claimed that thieves should have their hands chopped off because “God ordered us to do so”.

However, one described the punishment as unfair if adulterers are not stoned.

The comments were made in parliament yesterday as MPs discussed amendments to the country’s Penal Code.

Fourteen MPs, led by Shaikh Mattar, have submitted a proposal to chop off the hands of people caught stealing, as well as send them to prison.

They are pushing for the punishment to be included in criminal law, despite objections from other MPs who say it is a matter for Islamic scholars to decide.

Shaikh Mattar first proposed the introduction of Islamic law last month, but says he wants to start with thieves first.

“We can deal with things one by one, but the most important thing is that thieves get the punishment they deserve,” he said during yesterday’s session.

“We are really fed up, fed up, fed up with thieves – youngsters and elders – who are fined BD200, BD80 and BD40 and think jail is a five-star hotel where they go for free food.

“We hear the Bahrain Human Rights Society is visiting jails to ensure those thieves are being treated fairly – something I really feel awkward about, considering that they did not treat others fairly when they stole from them.

“Poor people don’t steel and most thieves are rich people.

“On the other hand, 40 per cent of the thieves in this country are expats who steal jewellery or rob banks – either by storming in with weapons or through technology.”

He said he knew of one incident where a couple was sleeping in bed when thieves stormed into their room.

“What is this?” he asked.

“Those people should be dealt with according to Sharia law to ensure they don’t do the same again and others don’t follow in

their footsteps.”

Meanwhile, MP Dr Isa Al Mutawa backed the introduction of Sharia laws and said they were based on the Quran.

“Bahrain’s religion is Islam and this why Islamic rules should be applied,” he said.

“Chopping thieves’ hands is something we are obliged to do since God has ordered us to do so,” added Dr Al Mutawa.

MPs have agreed on amendments to the Penal Code except for two articles – the one related to theft and another to dud cheques.

The foreign affairs, defence and national security committee has revised both articles and asked Shaikh Mattar to withdraw his suggestion to chop off thieves’ hands.

Its chairman, Ahmed Bahzad, said the committee has met with him and asked him to resubmit the proposal separately so that the Penal Code can be finalised.

“He didn’t mind and the issue will be discussed with clergymen when they come for one of the committee meetings,” said Mr Bahzad.

“If MPs want to have Sharia law they should have it in everything.

“Cutting off the hands of thieves is unfair considering that stoning adulterers is not being practised.”

The foreign affairs, defence and national security committee will now look into the theft article again after being given another two weeks to revise it.

MPs did not discuss the issue of dud cheques yesterday, but will discuss it along with theft when the committee completes revising the articles.
GDN :: Mohammed Al-A’ali :: 5 Apr ‘06