Bahrain Mirror: The Bahraini government approved toughening the penalty for "electoral crimes" for up to two years imprisonment and a 2,000 dinar fine, which is part of a bill to amend the election system of municipal council members.

The bill, according to activists, is primarily aimed at the opposition, which intends to boycott the elections, as it set a two-year prison sentence and fine of 2,000 dinars for anyone who contributes to "publishing or spreading false statements about the elections."

The new amendment also states that "it is not permissible to order the suspension of a fine, and the criminal proceedings shall take place and the civil case shall not be heard in the offenses stipulated therein, six months after the date of the announcement of election results or after the date of the last judicial proceeding."

Arabic Version