People in Bahrain who promote or glorify terrorist acts could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined BD5,000 ($13,255) as part of tougher punishments.

The proposed amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Law will also apply to those who obtain leaflets or publications declaring such activities as achievements, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The Shura Council yesterday approved the draft amendment and referred it to its foreign affairs, defence and national security committee for modification.

"When terrorist activities are promoted and glorified, others will follow suit even if those committing the original acts are behind bars," said council member Bassam Albinmohammed.

"This is dangerous as it puts the community, citizens and policemen in danger of further terrorist activities.

"According to official statistics, 14 policemen have been killed over the past four years, 2,887 policemen were injured, 14,275 acts of arson were committed, and 16,221 incidents of road blocks were recorded.

"It is because of those who are left unpunished by the law - promoters and glorifiers or those possessing leaflets and publications declaring such acts as achievements.” - TradeArabia News Service