ELIGIBLE medium- to high-risk convicts will be moved to a state-of-the-art Open Prisons Complex beginning next year.
However, the eligibility will depend on the results of tough tests and strict evaluation that the inmates will have to undergo.
The new facility, in Hamala, is expected to welcome its first batch of occupants in March.
During an inspection visit to the complex, Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa had said that the open prisons programme was part of the alternative punishments project, and came as a prior stage before implementing the alternative penalties.
The occupants of the new facility will get to spend most of their day under reduced security and supervision, and those who complete the three to six months of rigorous evaluation will be allowed to work outside.
The GDN was recently given an exclusive tour of the new complex by Alternative Sanctions director Captain Jassim Al Doseri who described the centre as a learning school that will help inmates rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
“The open prisons complex features a library, a computer centre, a gym, recreation centre, among other facilities,” he added.
“Individuals staying in this complex will be trained in carpentry, handicraft or other etiquette skills as we build their CVs to help them secure jobs.
“All modern facilities are available in this complex such as a traditional games centre, and a computer centre to check their emails or attend virtual meetings.
“Our focus is to change their behaviour with the help of trained counsellors and social workers.”
The facility features different duplexes fitted with the latest facilities, swimming pool and a table tennis table with medical care being provided to the occupants.
It also has workshops to hone carpentry and handicraft skills.
The trust-based open prisons programme is part of the alternative punishments projects that has so far benefitted more than 4,500 convicts and reduced the recidivism rate to 33.3 per cent.
Last month, 100 convicts covered under the alternative sentencing project were deployed for voluntary work at different polling stations during the 2022 National Elections.
Alternative Sanctions and Measures Law came into effect in 2018 to support the judicial process and more importantly reduce the strain on prison administration.
According to the law, every person sentenced to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months may ask a judge for an alternative sentence instead of imprisonment, in accordance with Article 371 and the subsequent provisions.
The options available for those eligible under the programme include completing community service, staying under house arrest at a specified location, off-limits certain sites or locations, submission to electronic surveillance, take part in rehabilitative and training activities and pledge not to come into contact with or be exposed to specified people or organisations.
However, Capt Al Doseri said only those inmates who after strict evaluation are moved to the special low-risk facility in the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre in Jaw are eligible to be moved to the complex in Hamala.
“There is a proper process of rehabilitation, mental health evaluation, complete the path to good citizenship and counselling following which an inmate is moved to a separate low-risk building in Jaw,” he added.
“Every file is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and only after an inmate is deemed suitable for open conditions is he shifted to the complex.
“We will monitor their progress and conduct further evaluation between three to six months and only if the results are satisfactory will the individual be allowed to go out and work and continue his alternative punishment.”
Capt Al Doseri said they expected to welcome the first batch of about 100 beneficiaries by March next year.
He further added that all inmates including expats are eligible to undergo the tough review process in order to be moved to the complex.
“However, if any beneficiary staying at the complex is found committing a crime, he will go back to prison.
“Anyone who walks outside this complex has successfully completed our programme and is a good citizen, and this is what we are aiming for.”
All occupants of the complex will undergo training in arts, technology and entrepreneurship to help them find jobs in the private sector and fully rehabilitate themselves.
Capt Al Doseri said they are co-operating with INJAZ Bahrain to train and empower the beneficiaries and some hotels to train them on the etiquettes.
Training will also be provided in graphic designing, mechanics or barber course, and cooking.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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