Director-General of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing Receives Ambassador of Finland

The Director-General of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing at the Ministry of Interior, received the non-resident Ambassador of Finland to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Tuula Yrjölä, during her visit to review Bahrain’s pioneering experience in implementing alternative sentencing and its associated reform programmes.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Director-General welcomed the envoy, expressing his appreciation for the visit, which reflects Finland’s keenness to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He affirmed that the Alternative Sentencing Programme is one of the key pillars of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's comprehensive reform project, supported by the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted that the programme includes specialised rehabilitation initiatives such as the Open Prisons Programme. He highlighted the follow-up and instructions of His Excellency Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, who is keen to ensure the application of international best practices in alternative sentencing and open prisons.

During the visit, the Ambassador was briefed on Bahrain’s pioneering experience in implementing the Alternative Sentencing and Open Prison Programmes, as well as the significant achievements made in the field of human rights.

The visit also included a tour of the Open Prisons Complex, where the Ambassador viewed its advanced facilities and infrastructure, including educational classrooms, vocational training centres, a health club, and psychological and social support units, all aimed at rehabilitating inmates and facilitating their reintegration into society.

The two sides also discussed ways to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise and experiences in relevant areas to serve the mutual interests of both friendly countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Director-General expressed his best wishes for continued progress and prosperity to Finland. For her part, she conveyed her sincere thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, its leadership, government, and people. She praised the remarkable experience she observed and emphasised the importance of strengthening future cooperation between the two friendly nations.