A graduation ceremony – celebrating the rehabilitation of the second, third and fourth batches of beneficiaries of the Open Prisons Programme – was held yesterday at the Public Security Officer’s Club in Manama.
The event, attended by high-ranking officials including Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing director-general Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa, marked another milestone in Bahrain’s innovative approach to rehabilitation.
Launched in 2022, the programme boasts a 97.5 per cent success rate, with 77 beneficiaries successfully reintegrating into society.
“This achievement reflects the directives and support of His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister,” said Shaikh Khalid.
“The Open Prisons Programme has become a global model for human rights initiatives, offering beneficiaries a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
“I wish the beneficiaries the very best for the future, and I am confident they will go on to successfully reintegrate into society.”
The programme, the first-of-its-kind in the region, provides eligible medium – to high-risk convicts a transformative rehabilitation initiative, where beneficiaries are housed in a modern facility in Hamala.
The state-of-the-art facility includes villas, reduced supervision, amenities such as swimming pools, a library, a theatre room and workshops. Beneficiaries also have flexible visitation policies for family members.
Participants undergo a structured three-phase rehabilitation programme that sets them up to return to society.
The first stage is evaluation, where the individuals are given privileges such as flexible phone call timings, and the ability to manage their own schedule. During the second stage, which is rehabilitation, several workshops on mechanics, carpentry and graphic design are held to prepare individuals for reintegration.
The final stage is integration, where beneficiaries live their normal lives while going through alternative sentences such as community service.
One beneficiary, Tareq Al Ghushaimawi, delivered an emotional speech at the event, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to rebuild his life.
“This exceptional programme has transformed my life, and the life of others, and allowed us to feel like valued members of the community once again,” he said, tearfully.
“We were given a chance to rebuild for the future and not let our past mistakes define who we are.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to build a better life for myself and hopefully make something of myself, and I will make my family and everybody who worked hard to rehabilitate me proud.”
The ceremony also marked the launch of the new Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing website, dgseas.gov.bh.
The website offers information on the Open Prisons Programme, services relating to alternative sentencing and tools for inquiring about travel bans and other relevant issues.
Exceptional beneficiaries were honoured during the event for their commitment and progress, symbolising the programme’s dedication to restoring hope and rebuilding lives.
It was also announced that a number of beneficiaries have received partial or full scholarships and are currently studying at two different universities as they get their lives back on track.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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