The offences for which capital punishment either can or must be applied are

The offences for which capital punishment either can or must be applied are: premeditated murder, plotting to topple the regime, collaborating with a foreign hostile country, threatening the life of the Emir, and defiance of military orders in time of war or martial state.
In March 1999 Sheikh Hamad Bin `Issa Al Khalifa succeeded his late father Sheikh Salman bin ‘Issa al-Khalifa as emir. The change of government brought about some democratic reforms. Bahrain became a constitutional monarchy in 2002 and Sheik Hamad’s title was changed to king.
On February 13, 2001 the Bahraini authorities released all political prisoners. The reprieve order issued by Sheikh Hamad also covered prisoners sentenced to death after being convicted of murder during riots in Bahrain in 1994 and 1995. Sheikh Hamad also abolished emergency laws and courts, and eased restrictions on freedom of expression and association.
On October 31, 2002, Bahrain held parliamentary elections for the first time in nearly 30 years, to elect the 40-member Council of Deputies. Women participated for the first time, voting and standing as candidates, though failing to win a seat. Political parties remain illegal but opposition groups operate openly in the country.
The first execution in 20 years took place on March 29, 1996. The last one took place in 2000.