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The Association of Muslim Organisations in Kenya has requested several amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2012 before it is signed into law, Kenya's Capital News FM reported Thursday (June 28th).

Leaders in the organisation say they want to protect Muslims from harassment and discrimination, and to ensure that security forces do not harass people in the name of fighting terror.

"Any act that intimidates the public or a section of the public is considered an act of terrorism, it is in our view that the definition (be) redefined to include specific activities," said Director General Fazul Mahamed in an address to the Internal Security Ministry.

The group of Muslim leaders also want the bill to guarantee respect for human rights of terror suspects in the country. "The suspects must be guaranteed representation. None of their basic rights should be infringed," Mahamed said.

Mahamed's statement marks a reversal from Monday, when association chairman Sheikh Athman Mponda said the organisation went through the bill and supported it fully.

Internal Security Permanent Secretary Mutea Iringo acknowledged their concerns, but said that the Kenyan constitution already addresses some of them, including the proper treatment of suspects in police custody. Under the new bill, suspects cannot be mistreated by the police or kept in cells longer than 24 hours, unless otherwise directed by a court of law.

Also under the new law, anyone convicted of committing a terrorist act that results in casualties may be liable for life imprisonment.

The Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2012 was first introduced in 2003 and was later withdrawn after an uproar over some provisions criticised by some Muslim groups.