BAHRAIN. CHILD RAPISTS TO FACE DEATH PENALTY UNDER NEW PROPOSALS

new laws were being brought in to protect children in Bahrain against rapists and pedophiles. Child rapists could face the death sentence under amendments to Bahrain's penal code, backed by the Shura Council.
Rape of a girl aged under 16 would attract a potential death sentence or life in jail, under the amendments. Sex with any girl under the age of 16 would be considered rape, even if she consented, the council decided. This raised from 14 the age under which sex with a minor was legally defined as rape.
Any rapist aged 21 or over would face the potential maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment, under the amendment.
The amendments were due to be sent to the Cabinet, which would make the changes and re-submit the final draft to the council for further consideration.
Twelve articles had been amended, legislative and legal affairs committee vice-chairman and secretary Abduljalil Al Tareef told councilors.