BAHRAIN’S acclaimed alternative sentencing programme has proved hugely successful in providing inmates with an opportunity for social reintegration and family stability, His Majesty King Hamad has said.
He commended the Interior Ministry for its professional implementation of the programme, which is the first of its kind in the region.
His Majesty highlighted the commitment of the constitutional and legislative bodies to continually develop a unique model based on restorative justice and human rights principles when he received senior Royal Family members, Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam and officials at Sakhir Palace yesterday.
His Majesty emphasised the importance of the goals of the programme, directing officials to further develop and expand it.
Thanking the King, Gen Shaikh Rashid noted that the alternative sentencing law was guided by the royal directives which emphasised that the youth did not belong in prison but should be embraced by their families, community and country.
The minister highlighted the role of the Public Prosecution in co-ordinating between the police and the judiciary.
He emphasised the commitment of the members of the General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing to serve their nation.
Gen Shaikh Rashid highlighted the pivotal role of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in the success of the programme.
The programme has successfully reintegrated 7,458 beneficiaries, with a compliance rate of 97.5 per cent, one of the highest globally.
The Alternative Penalties and Procedures Law, enacted in 2017, provides that, for inmates, who have served at least half of their sentences, have been of good conduct, are not a public security risk, and have paid their financial liabilities, it is possible to be released under alternative sentencing, meaning that they can be put on house arrest and be required to perform hours of community service.
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