New laws have been set to see that people taking and giving bribes are severely dealt with.

The Crimes Decree 2009 states that a person commits a crime, if he or she gives a bribe, causes a bribe to be given, offers to provide a bribe and promises a bribe which includes any advantage including political gain and is not limited to property.

Under the decree, anyone who intends to bribe a public official which would influence his or her work, can be sent to jail for 10 years.

The new law also clearly said that any public official commits an offence if he or she asks for a bribe, takes a bribe or bribes someone.

According to the Decree, a public official commits a crime if he or she asks for a bribe, takes a bribe or bribes someone with the intention of influencing his or her job as a public official.

The Crime Decree 2009 comes into effect in February next year.