OPEN prisons for medium and high-risk convicts are set to be launched during Ramadan.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa yesterday announced that convicts who undergo tough tests and strict evaluation will soon be shifted from closed to a state-of-the art Open Prison Complex in Hamala.
The new facility operated by the Interior Ministry is expected to welcome its first batch of occupants, who will spend most of their day under less security and supervision.
Offenders who complete the three to six months of rigorous evaluation, including risk assessment, will then be allowed to work outside.
This was announced by the minister during his speech at the Community Partnership and Belonging to The Nation Day celebrations at the Public Security Officers Club in Gudaibiya yesterday.
The day is marked annually in Bahrain on March 18.
“The first batch of inmates will be moved during Ramadan to open prisons, which are buildings equipped with the best standards,” said the minister.
“A total of 4,815 people have benefited from alternative penalties.
“The open prisons are a turning point in the implementation of the 2017 Alternative Sanctions and Measures Law as it has contributed to developing the criminal justice system and promoting human rights.
“The beneficiaries will be trained and rehabilitated inside the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre before being moved to open prisons, which will lead to the next stage, which is the gradual integration of convicts into society.”
The GDN previously reported that the open prison complex in Hamala features latest education systems including a library, computer centre, a gym and recreation centre, among other facilities to help the beneficiaries.
Individuals staying in this complex will be trained on carpentry, handicraft or other etiquette skills to build their CVs and help them secure jobs. They will also have access to a traditional games centre and a computer centre to check their emails or attend virtual meetings.
The options available for those eligible under the alternative punishments and measures programme, which the open prison concept comes under, also includes completing community service, staying under house arrest at a specified location, submitting to electronic surveillance, taking part in rehabilitative and training activities and pledging not to come into contact with or be exposed to specified people or organisations.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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