- 83 -These texts focus on intelligence and wisdom, with the Press Law reducing the number of journalistic crimes that have unfortunately become frequent in recent years.

(Waw) Threats - Article 284 of the Penal Code was significantly amended and its scope expanded. The Penal Code issued in 1883 (Article 231) and the Penal Code issued in 1904 (Articles 283 and 284) only punished threats if they were made with the intent to seize property. Mere threats, even in writing, were not punishable regardless of their severity. It was therefore necessary to address this deficiency due to the proliferation of threatening letters. It is clear that individuals with nervous dispositions who receive daily letters threatening them with death may be overcome with terror as a result and might be prevented from carrying out their duties if they are government officials. It is usually almost impossible to identify the writers of these letters, which are always sent unsigned, of course. However, the law must provide officials with the necessary tools, even if they can only use them rarely.

Accordingly, Article 284 was amended to cover oral and written threats when they are severe, whether conditional or not. This includes threats of personal assault punishable by death or hard labor, and threats to reveal matters affecting honor or to attribute such matters. If a threat of personal assault does not reach the aforementioned severity, it is only punishable if it is in writing.

Let us now turn to the first law mentioned under this heading, which relates to the consideration of crimes committed through newspapers. I say that the purpose of this law is to make these crimes the jurisdiction of the Criminal Court. This is in the interest of the accused and ensures justice, as it is better to entrust the consideration of delicate matters that fall under press cases to judges of the Criminal Court, who are usually older and more respected than judges of the primary courts. However, the procedures in the Criminal Court will continue as prescribed for misdemeanors in the Criminal Procedure Law, both in terms of investigation and the conduct of court proceedings, especially to safeguard the rights of the victim and the prosecution to bring direct action.

"46" - Sharia Courts I detailed the new system of Sharia courts in my report last year, and I am pleased to say this year that the other reform in the procedures followed in those courts has passed the legislative stages.