Anti-corruption: 61 cases reported since July 2015

Manama, Apr 24 (BNA): The General Director of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security announced on Sunday that the department takes seriously any case of misuse of social media. Among the cases received, several MPs filed complaints about violations by social media users against them. The General Director said 61 cases from the Council of Representatives have been reported since July 2015 and all of them were referred the Public Prosecution and coordination continues to enforce the court decisions. Some MPs filed additional cases individually. The General Director said such cases should be accepted if the person who the misuse was against files the complaint, in accordance with point D in article 9 of the code of Criminal Procedures that states: "A criminal legal action shall not be initiated except upon a verbal or written complaint filed by the victim or by his attorney with the Public Prosecution or with an officer who has the power of summary arrest in respect of the following crimes" point D "Libel and slander as provided for in Articles (364), (365) and (366) of the Penal Code." And the second paragraph of article 12 of the same law it states: "A criminal legal action shall not be initiated except upon a written application filed with the Public Prosecution by the victim’s legal representative in the crimes provided for in Article (216) of the Penal Code and the other crimes specified by the Law." He highlighted that upon receiving a case of misuse of social media, the department identified the suspects who are then summoned for legal action. The General Director cautioned the public that people hiding behind fake names while committing violations will also be held accountable to the law. He said that there are regulations for the use of social media, which include not violating the account rules. He also stated freedom of expression doesn’t violate the rights of others. In addition, he suggested getting information from official sources and warned against posting malicious rumours that could disrupt security and civil peace. Article 168 of the penal code law states: "Imprisonment for a period of no more than two years and a fine not exceeding BD 200 either penalty shall be the punishment for any person who deliberately disseminates false reports, statements or malicious rumors, or produces any publicity seeking to damage public security, terrorize the population or cause damage to the public interest." The General Director encouraged the public to use social media responsibly and to respect the parameters of freedom of expression along with the traditional and moral values of Bahraini society. (Courtesy of MoI)