The Shura Council is set to vote on government-drafted amendments to the 2017 Alternative Punishments and Sentencing Law.
The amendments, approved unanimously by Parliament earlier this month, would see two new penalties added to the alternative punishments list.
Convicts could be placed in specialised psychiatric institutions or health clinics, or told to report mandatorily at security facilities during specific timings.
If approved, alternative sentencing options will increase from seven to nine, allowing judges to impose multiple punishments instead of just one.
Shura’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee have recommended that the amendments be given a go-ahead.
The seven existing alternative penalties are: community service, house arrest, restrictions from certain locations, ban from specific electronic websites, avoidance of certain individuals or groups, electronic monitoring, rehabilitation and training programmes and repairing damages caused by the crime.
The new amendments also ban offenders from certain websites directly related to their crimes, instead of a blanket prohibition on Internet use.
The initiative has been backed by the Ministries of Social Development, Interior and Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, as well as the Supreme Judicial Council, National Institution for Human Rights and Bahrain Bar Society.
The Interior Minister will be tasked with overseeing the execution of alternative punishments, ensuring a centralised and structured approach to their implementation.
Shura’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Dr Ali Al Rumaihi described the amendments as ‘a milestone in Bahrain’s legal evolution’.
“This reform will not only help reduce prison overcrowding but also offer a more humane, rehabilitative approach to justice,” he stressed. “It aligns with modern judicial policies that focus on integrating offenders back into society while ensuring public safety.”
He pointed out that the shift in responsibility to the Interior Minister will provide ‘greater efficiency and accountability in executing alternative penalties’.
The alternative punishments law was introduced in 2017 and 7,836 individuals have benefited from it until the end of last year.
“These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of Bahrain’s progressive approach to justice, which focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment,” said Dr Al Rumaihi.
“To ensure fair application of alternative punishments, new eligibility guidelines will be introduced.
“Judicial authorities will co-ordinate with the Public Prosecution and relevant agencies to determine suitable candidates for alternative sentences before enforcing any prison term.
“Alternative sentencing provides a second chance for offenders to reform and reintegrate into society. It is a balanced approach that benefits both the individual and the community.”
Shura Council is set to debate and vote on the amendments tomorrow.
However, it could be shifted until April 6 if tomorrow is declared as the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
&uuid=(email))