Qatar’s Deputy Emir has signed into law provisions that empower the country’s armed forces to protect its borders, local media reports.

The law, which Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani signed Tuesday, consists of 11 articles detailing the terms and conditions of border protection and penalties for trespassing.

Article 8 explicitly permits the Qatar Armed Forces to act as law-enforcement officers at the border.

Gulf Times reports:

Article 4, consisting of three clauses, states that it is not permissible for anyone to roam around anywhere near the borders or try to go on hunting trips in the restricted areas or put up tents and bring camping equipment. It is also not permissible to carry out any manner of construction or installation work.

Trespassers can be either imprisoned for three years or asked to pay a fine of QR10,000 or may be liable to both the punishments.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by arwcheek

This article previously incorrectly stated that the Emir signed the bill into law. It has been corrected to reflect that it was the Deputy Emir.