MANAMA: The amended law on alternative penalties, issued by His Majesty King Hamad, has earned wide-ranging praise.
Human rights advocates praised the new legislation which authorises the Interior Ministry to seek the substitution of the initial court sentence with alternative penalties.
They said the milestone places Bahrain at the forefront of Arab countries in modernising the rehabilitation system, which will have a positive impact on the convict, his family as well as society at large.
The amendment, they said, is in line with Bahrain’s drive to overhaul its legislations and legal practices in compliance with international standards, agreements, covenants and protocols.
“The amendment shows the legal maturity attained by Bahrain’s legislative and judicial systems,” they said, adding that the move would facilitate the convict’s integration as the alternative penalty gives them a fresh start in life.
It will also bolster the approach of the state which promotes investment in citizens to strengthen social security and stability and combat crimes.
Expanding the implementation of the law on alternative penalties will also ease overcrowded prisons.
Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee deputy chairman Isa Al Dossari pointed out that the initiative will contribute to increasing the number of beneficiaries from the application of the alternative penalties law, achieving the essence of the state of law and institutions and translating the King’s humanitarian and civilisational thought into reality.
He indicated that the decree-law is a civilised intellectual product that reflects the kingdom’s approach in its continuous quest to achieve the purposes of justice during the prosperous reign of the King, adding that as many as 3,511 convicts have already benefited from the alternative penalties law.
National Institution for Human Rights chairman Ali Al Derazi said the move will bolster Bahrain’s standing.
He said that the government, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, had adopted legislations as priorities to protect rights and enforce the rule of law.
He hailed Bahrain’s efforts to modernise its legislations in line with international standards, agreements, covenants and human rights protocols.
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