There exists general law in Bahrain dated back to 1973 and revised in 2006 that requires “whoever organizes a public gathering to notify the Chief of Public Security in writing three days before the intended gathering”.
The main purpose of that provision is to regulate the gathering which is political in nature. However, the law is too general that some time the organizer of any event for which a group of public will gather is required to give the notification regardless of the purpose of the gathering.
While the law has some exceptions, among others, it does not apply to meetings organized by companies for its internal purposes among its members, it otherwise state that it applies to all meetings (gatherings) either it is held in the public places or private premises for as long as any person may have access to it without being personally invited. That scope is broadened as the provision continues to state that, despite that, a meeting is also subject to the law depending on:
1- its subject matter (as to be determined by the Chief of Public Security);
2- the number of invitees;
3- the manner of gathering/meeting;
4- or simply for the reason that any other party does not consider such gathering as private.
The law also provides that such gathering shall not be held before 7.00am and shall not continue after 11.30pm without the express prior permission for that from the Chief of Public Security or his representative.
© 2008 - Hurriyah El Islamy
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