Bahrain has increased the penalties for those who possess explosive materials that may lead to death. The new amendments to the Penal Code were approved by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Tuesday, following their approval by the Shura Council and the Parliament. It stipulates the death penalty or life imprisonment for those who used explosive material that led to any person’s death. The amendments come in line with efforts to protect the society from terrorism and reinforce deterrent penalties for perpetrators of terrorist acts. A prison sentence of no less than 10 years and a fine of no less than BD500 and no more than BD1,000 shall be inflicted on any person who makes flammable or explosive materials with the intent of using it or distributing it to expose people’s lives or public and private funds to danger or possessing materials used to make explosives for the same purpose. The amendments also included a prison sentence of no more than five years and a fine not exceeding BD500 to be inflicted on any person who possesses flammable or explosive materials with the intent to expose people’s lives or public or private funds to danger. Whoever distributes or uses flammable or explosive materials for the same purpose shall be punished with a prison sentence of no more than eight years, the amendment statement read. “The penalty shall be life or temporary prison of not less than 10 years if the attack results in permanent disability. “ “The penalty shall be a death sentence or life imprisonment if the use causes the death of a person,” it added. In May, Bahrain criminalized, according to the Penal Code, all forms of sympathy for terrorist acts that occur within its borders or abroad by any means. It also criminalized all forms of possession, transfer, and distribution of any documents indicating sympathy or justification for terrorist acts within Bahrain’s territories or abroad.