Per the royal directives to expand the enforcement of the Alternative Sanctions and Measures Law, the General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing, in coordination with the Public Prosecution and after the approval of the concerned judge, replaced the jail terms of 176 inmates at the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre with alternative penalties, increasing the number of total beneficiaries to 5,651. After studying their cases and fulfilling the legal requirements, the new inmates were selected.
Director-General of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said that the development in enforcing the law represents a remarkable point in the human rights journey of the Kingdom that is based on high values and principles of the reform era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
He valued the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and his dedication to paving the way to assist the beneficiaries to be integrated into the society within the criminal justice system.
He highlighted that the instructions of His Excellency Interior Minister include developing the enforcement of the law and offering rehabilitation and training programmes to beneficiaries for successful implementation and follow-up process.
He said that the selection process was done by coordinating with the Public Prosecution and presenting the list of beneficiaries to the concerned judge to achieve the ultimate goal of gradually integrating convicts into society. He appreciated authorities and organisations that contributed to implementing the alternative sanctions.
The alternative penalties vary from community services, attending rehabilitation and training programmes, banning from visiting public places and being electronic monitoring. The sanctions are chosen based on the personal conditions of the inmates, their criminal risks and their commitment to the penalties. The law states that the beneficiaries are sent back to jail if they violate the alternative sanctions rules.
