.jpg?20260326')
More than 8,500 individuals were rehabilitated and reintegrated into society under the alternative sentencing programme in Bahrain.
These included inmates charged with different crimes who were thrown a lifeline by the government as part of a visionary project.
In order to further boost the morale and instil confidence among the beneficiaries a Second Chance Award – to provide financial and academic benefits to the individuals – was also announced during a conference yesterday.
“We have successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated more than 8,500 beneficiaries (since 2018), and those covered under the Open Prisons programme reached 273,” said Interior Ministry’s Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sanctions director-general Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa.
“The recidivism rate was 2.5 per cent, while the success rate was 97.5pc.”
“In addition, more than 50pc of the beneficiaries were enrolled in different jobs as part of their community sentence.”
Shaikh Khalid was speaking during a plenary session of the first international conference on alternative sentencing, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
The session, entitled ‘The Role of Alternative Sanctions in Promoting Reform and the Criminal Justice System’, featured other speakers including Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda, Attorney General Dr Ali Al Buainain, British Ambassador Alastair Long and US Ambassador Steven Bondy.
Shaikh Khalid said that in co-ordination with different government entities a list of the nominated inmates was referred to a judge for approval to ensure that the beneficiary fitted strict criteria and evaluation.
“The medium and high risk convicts who have spent a long time in prison as part of their sentence undergo rigorous evaluation at different stages to meet the requirements,” said Shaikh Khalid.
He also spoke about the ‘Shed Hailak’ programme, which is a points-based system for beneficiaries based on their behaviour and initiatives; the initiative is inspired by US models.
Shaikh Khalid also lauded the efforts of public and private institutions that opened its doors for the beneficiaries to engage in different work as part of a community sentence.
“I would also like to announce the Second Chance Award at this conference to motivate our beneficiaries through financial and academic incentives. Registration for the award opens in October,” he added.
Meanwhile, in his remarks Dr Al Buainain said there were several convicts including women coming forward for alternative sanctions, as it helps in family reunification efforts.
According to the law, every person sentenced to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months may request the judge for an alternative sentence, in accordance with Article 371 and the subsequent provisions.
Sharing his views at the event, Mr Bondy highlighted the ‘reform-minded vision’ of the leadership in transforming Bahrain’s justice sector.
“Bahrain’s alternative sentencing law and programme, as well as the open prisons programme, are transforming lives and positioning Bahrain as a regional and global leader in correctional reform and community reintegration,” said the diplomat.
“The partnership between the US and Bahrain on security and law enforcement is stronger than ever across counterterrorism, cyber security, border security, customs, immigration, judicial affairs and countering financial crimes.”
The envoy said Bahrain has ‘proven that rehabilitation can be more effective than incarceration’.
Mr Bondy also mentioned the International Accreditation Certification of Community Housing for Open Prisons approved by the American Correctional Association (ACA) for the Open Prisons Programme last year.
The ACA is one of the oldest regulatory bodies that supervises inmate detention centres internationally and grants a certificate of accreditation to correctional institutions that pass all 137 international standards related to human rights.
“The accreditation is an international benchmark that affirms Bahrain’s commitment to evidence-based correctional practices according to global standards,” said Mr Bondy.
“Bahrain’s current programmes have resulted in impressively low recidivism rates.”
For his part, Mr Long said the kingdom has made ‘remarkable strides’ since the introduction of the alternative sentencing law in 2018.
He also highlighted there were more than 4,000 royal pardons last year, and the establishment of the Open Prisons programme were all “powerful indicators of the kingdom’s commitment to rehabilitation and progressive justice”.
“These achievements not only position Bahrain as a regional leader in justice reform and rehabilitation, but also align closely with the National Human Rights Plan (2022-2026),” said Mr Long.
During another session of the conference titled ‘The importance of integrated efforts in reintegration of beneficiaries’, Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society secretary general Faisal Fulad announced a ‘Mercy’ initiative under which eligible participants will be provided psychological and social care with the help of experts.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))