BAHRAIN: Parliament reviews draft law on elder abuse

MANAMA, Bahrain (Khaleej Times), July 20, 2008: Individuals who abuse elder people in their care could face jail and a fine of no less than BD100 under a draft law being reviewed by parliament in Bahrain, a lawmaker said yesterday. Tougher punishments would be imposed on those offenders who were found to be close relatives of the elderly. The elderly rights draft law penalises maltreatment of aged people, especially if the offender is caretaker of aged people, including family members and employees at special homes for the elderly. “This is a great draft law that could safeguard the rights of elder people and ensure them better living conditions in appreciation to what they gave to their families and country,” member of Al Manber Islamic Bloc and Head of the Parliamentary Service Committee, Dr Ali Ahmed told Khaleej Times. The bill has been reviewed by the service panel and would be deliberated by parliament at a public session after the recess. “We have drafted the bill after a study by our political office reveals that 55 per cent of the elderly in Bahrain live below the poverty line as most of them receive low pension which is not enough to buy medicines. Then there are people who have no incomes and live on charity,” Dr Ali explained. “The bill will make the government responsible for the elderly by offering them monthly social assistance to be financially independent.” Copyright © 2008 Khaleej Times, UAE