Penal Code promulgated by Legislative Decree No. 15 of 1976.

This Penal Code, consisting of 427 articles, applies to all offences committed within the jurisdiction of the State of Bahrain, including offences where the act, its consequences, or the criminal intent occurred within Bahrain. It also applies to any person who participates in a crime, whether as a perpetrator or accomplice, even if such participation took place abroad. In addition, the Law extends to Bahraini citizens and foreigners who commit offences outside Bahrain that affect the security of the State, whether domestically or internationally. The Law further applies to offences committed abroad by civil servants or persons entrusted with public duties, whether in the course of their official functions or in a private capacity. Moreover, it applies to any foreigner present in Bahrain who committed an offence abroad, even if the offence does not fall within the specified provisions of the Law and no extradition request has been made. The Law is divided into a General Part and a Special Part. The General Part establishes the fundamental principles of criminal law, including the applicability of the Law in terms of time and place, criminal responsibility, the elements of crimes, causes of justification, causation, intent and negligence, impediments to responsibility, attempted crimes, criminal participation, and the system of penalties, including principal and accessory penalties, mitigating and aggravating circumstances, and violations. The Special Part addresses specific categories of offences, including crimes against state security, crimes against public authorities, offences involving assaults on public bodies and officials, failure to provide assistance, alcohol consumption, gambling, and crimes against persons such as libel, slander, and disclosure of secrets.
The Code contains several provisions aimed at protecting public health and safeguarding individuals from health-related risks. Articles 168 and 169 prohibit the dissemination of false news, rumours, or forged documents that may harm public security, public peace, or public health. Article 320 protects vulnerable persons, including children and individuals unable to care for themselves due to physical, mental, or health conditions, from being exposed to danger. The Code also addresses professional misconduct in the medical field. Article 273 prohibits doctors or midwives from issuing false certificates or statements concerning pregnancy, birth, illness, disability, or death in exchange for benefits. In addition, Articles 306 and 307 regulate issues related to public intoxication and alcohol addiction, including the possibility of treatment or rehabilitation measures. Finally, Article 321 addresses self-induced abortion carried out without medical advice, contributing to the protection of public health and medical safety.
The Code also contains provisions aimed at protecting water resources, water infrastructure, and public safety. The Code criminalizes the intentional destruction or damage of public utilities and water-related infrastructure, including water facilities, pipelines, wells, pumps, and other systems essential for public use (Articles 277, 409, and 410). It also prohibits the poisoning or contamination of water sources intended for human consumption, whether committed intentionally or through negligence (Articles 282 and 283). In addition, it protects boundary and measurement markers used for land management, irrigation, and water distribution from destruction or removal (Article 413). Finally, Article 304 addresses the obligation to assist authorities during floods or other water-related disasters by prohibiting the refusal or delay of requested aid.
Finally, the Code includes provisions that criminalize the killing, poisoning, harming, and mistreatment of animals, particularly those owned by others or serving agricultural and economic purposes. It prohibits the intentional killing or poisoning of beasts of burden, draft or pack animals, and other animals belonging to others, as well as livestock and fish kept in private or designated breeding areas (Articles 411 and 412). In addition, it addresses animal welfare violations by prohibiting cruelty, neglect, or abandonment of domestic animals, including failure to provide necessary care or food (Article 415).