Top ministers and government officials have commended His Majesty King Hamad for pardoning 457 inmates in celebration of the Silver Jubilee of his accession.
Foreign Minister and National Human Rights Committee chairman Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani expressed his pride in His Majesty’s vision, saying that the gesture is one of the key royal initiatives aimed at promoting justice, tolerance and responsible citizenship under the rule of law.
He also praised the government’s approach, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which prioritises humanitarian and social dimensions as key pillars of the rule of law. He highlighted the balanced approach of achieving justice while fostering tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Dr Al Zayani said that the King’s humanitarian initiatives have set an example of pardon, tolerance and justice, taking into account human rights standards and social and humanitarian circumstances of the convicts and their families. “His Majesty has prioritised their rehabilitation and reintegration through reform programmes, offering them opportunities to correct their behaviour and contribute positively to society”.
Dr Al Zayani highlighted continued national achievements in human rights, citing the application of legislation such as the Alternative Sanctions and Measures Law and the Open Prisons Programme, which have been implemented through constructive co-operation between the legislative, executive and judicial authorities.
He acknowledged the support of the National Human Rights Committee at the Interior Ministry, led by General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, in partnership with the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), the Ombudsman General Secretariat, the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission, and the Special Investigation Unit.
Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda said the King’s decree reflects his commitment to tolerance and forgiveness, as well as providing opportunities for the pardoned inmates’ social reintegration.
He also acknowledged the government’s role, led by HRH Prince Salman, in supporting the rehabilitation programmes that produce effective contributions to sustainable development in a way that translates the royal vision.
Information Minister Dr Ramzan Nuaimi said, “This noble gesture demonstrates His Majesty’s care for all citizens, offering those pardoned a new hope for positive reintegration into society and motivating them to contribute to the service of the kingdom and participate in the comprehensive development process.”
The minister said the royal initiatives have solidified justice, equality and dignity as fundamental pillars of society, fostering continued national achievements across various domains.
Ombudswoman and Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission chairperson Ghada Hameed Habib emphasised that the pardon is part of a series of royal decrees issued in recent months, aligning with Bahrain’s comprehensive development process that prioritises respect for human rights principles, particularly in the treatment of inmates.
“The royal pardon aims to promote social cohesion and ensure the well-being of inmates and their families, providing them with an opportunity to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens, and contribute to the kingdom’s progress and prosperity,” the Ombudswoman said.
She also commended the efforts of the relevant entities, including the Interior Ministry, the judiciary, and independent oversight bodies, for their exemplary work in setting a leading standard for inmate treatment, exceeding international standards with a primary focus on humanitarian principles in rehabilitation and reform strategies.
Arab Parliament Speaker and Arab Observatory for Human Rights board of trustees chairman Adel Al Asoomi, Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam, Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh, NIHR chairman Ali Al Derazi and Institute of Public Administration director general Dr Shaikha Rana bint Isa Al Khalifa also lauded the royal pardon.
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