MANAMA: Tough new penalties are on the way for thugs who attack police and other members of Bahrain's security forces.

Amendments approved by MPs yesterday include life sentences for anyone who kills a member of the security services, even if the death was unintentional.

Those who intentionally cause permanent disability to a member of the security apparatus would face a minimum sentence of 10 years.

If the attack unintentionally caused permanent disability the culprit would face a minimum seven-year jail sentence.

The amendments to Bahrain's Penal Code would also mean anyone involved in attacks on police could be jailed for up to 10 years, even if no injuries are sustained.

Under Bahraini law, deliberate killings already carry the maximum sentence of death.

The amendments must now be reviewed by the Shura Council.

Minister of State for Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Abdulaziz Al Fadhel said the aim was to protect security personnel who have come under increased attacks - more recently with homemade explosives.

"We are trying to restore the security personnel's pride, which will in turn restore the rule of law and the government's pride," he told MPs yesterday.