Bahrain plans to prevent political associations from fuelling sectarianism and "engaging in activities that hurt national economy".

The Cabinet yesterday endorsed an amended law on political associations and referred it to the National Assembly.

The move follows recommendations from National Consensus Dialogue. The proposed law aims at promoting transparency of political work.

Religious platforms would also be separated from any activities relating to political associations. The board members of political associations would also be required to disclose their financial status.

The minimum age required to join political associations would be reduced to conform to that required to start exercising political rights.

Under a draft amended law, crimes relating to claims of torture, inhumane treatment or deaths would not be considered as military crimes. The new legislation would assign the Public Prosecution and ordinary courts to deal with them.

The move conforms with recommendations cited in the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry Report. – TradeArabia News Service