His Majesty ratifies protests law
by mahmood on 21/07/06 at 8:01 am · email · print
His Majesty King Hamad yesterday ratified a law relating to public meetings, rallies and gatherings.
It stipulates that anyone planning such activities must inform the head of public security three days in advance.
The new law was adopted on July 11 by parliament and confirmed by the Cabinet before going to the King for ratification.
It provides for jail terms of up to six months or fines for those who organise unauthorised protests or demonstrations.
The law prohibits demonstrations in public places such as airports, hospitals, near diplomatic missions and the offices of international organisations and also bans the use of weapons.
Moreover, if during a rally there is a threat to public security, assault, damage to public or private property, those involved will be held responsible.
If a gathering is organised without permission, then organisers will be held responsible for those who cause damage, pay compensation and that a legal sentence be passed against them by a specialised court.
The law also indicated that the request should include the time, place and purpose of the meeting.
It stipulates that the request should include the signature of a resident of the area or body which will organise the meeting and that he should have a good reputation. Moreover, he should also enjoy his full civil and political rights.
The head of the Public Security or his representative will have the right to change the time and place of a meeting based on grounds of disrupting public regulation.
These articles do not apply to the following:
