The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) was yesterday directed to tighten financial control of terror funds collected by associations and individuals.

HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa instructed Bahrain's monetary regulatory authority as he chaired a high-level work meeting, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The session discussed the channels of terrorist funding and directed CBB officials to co-ordinate legal measures with competent authorities.

The Premier followed up measures taken by security agencies to counter violence and terrorism and protect society.

He reviewed ongoing implementation of legislation passed by the National Assembly to toughen penalties and protect the community from terror.

He directed the recommendations to be enforced without delay, stressing the government's responsibility to ensure citizens' safety and protect their property and lives.

The Premier condemned licensed protests which profess peace, only to be marred by acts of sabotage and terror, wreaking havoc on public and private property.

While affirming commitment to citizens' constitutional rights to freedom of expression, he stressed the government's duty to clamp down on so-called peaceful rallies which tread on others' freedoms and rights, sow chaos and spark violence. He said such rallies can no longer claim any legitimacy.

He added that these violations would be enough to justify a rethink of the decision to allow such protests to be held at specific time and locations. – TradeArabia News Service