Manama, Dec. 11 (BNA): The Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, paid an inspection visit to the open prison complex today, in the presence of the Attorney General, the Chief of Public Security and the President of the National Institute for Human Rights. .
At the beginning of the visit, the Minister of Interior briefed the Director General of Enforcement of Alternative Sentences and Sentences about the complex, which includes an educational building equipped with the latest modern education systems, including computer labs and a library.
The Minister of Interior inspected the housing units built to provide living requirements, in addition to a sports club that includes a gym, a mental games unit, and an electronic interaction unit.
The Director of Alternative Sentences briefed the Minister of Interior on the Directorate’s efforts, in coordination with the concerned authorities, to equip the complex in accordance with human rights standards and services for inmates.
The Minister of Interior affirmed that the civilized and humanitarian project comes to translate the principles of the reform era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and support His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to strengthen the criminal justice system and continue efforts to promote human rights.
He said that the open prisons program is a continuation of the successes of the alternative punishment project. It represents a remarkable achievement in the field of human rights and enhances the Kingdom’s reputation regionally and internationally. He emphasized that human rights in Bahrain are a cultural heritage and part of society’s culture.
The Minister of Interior stated that the open prisons program is part of the alternative punishments project and comes as a pre-stage before the application of alternative punishments. It targets inmates who spent a period in a correctional and rehabilitation center before reintegrating into society.
He said that the program is part of the modern human rights programs and systems of reform and rehabilitation centers at the General Directorate of Enforcement of Sentences and Alternative Sentences to enhance social security and the strategy of the Ministry of Interior based on respect for human rights.
At the end of the visit, the Minister of Interior expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the General Administration for the Enforcement of Sentences and Alternative Sentences for its prominent role in implementing the program. He also expressed his appreciation to those who helped implement the program, including the private sector.
AOQ