Interior Minister visits Open Prison Complex

Manama, Apr. 12 (BNA): The Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, today visited the Open Prisons Complex.

The meeting was attended by the Chief of Public Security, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, and the Director General of Execution of Sentences and Alternative Sentences.

The visit aimed to inspect the conditions of the inmates and the progress of the open prisons program, which is implemented by the General Directorate for the Enforcement of Sentences and Alternative Sentences to promote human rights in Bahrain.

The Minister of Interior affirmed the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to strengthen the application of the Alternative Procedures and Penalties Law, of which the opening of the prison is considered one of its main stages. The law is in the era of reform of His Majesty the King and reflects his wisdom and consideration for the social and human aspects of the convicts. The project also represents a remarkable aspect of Bahrain’s achievements in the field of human rights.

The Minister of Interior praised the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, citing His Highness’ directives to provide opportunities for beneficiaries to integrate into society within the criminal justice system and the rule of law. .

He said that the milestones of the alternative punishments project, including 558 beneficiaries who were recently announced after being presented to the Public Prosecution during the month of Ramadan, confirm the dedication and determination of the project, which has included 5,432 inmates since 2018. He emphasized that the positive results of the project reflect that it is proceeding on the right track.

During the visit, the Minister of Interior, Director General of Execution of Sentences and Alternative Sentences, Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa, was briefed on the rehabilitation and training programs and services provided to the beneficiaries of the open prison program. It is a continuation of the successes of the alternative sanctions project. The memorandum highlighted the cooperation with INJAZ Bahrain, Nasser Vocational Training Center and several concerned directorates of the Ministry of Interior.

He was also briefed on the facilities and services provided to inmates and the workflow, as well as a presentation by some of the beneficiaries of the opening of the prison. They praised the rehabilitation and training programs and the services provided to them. In addition, INJAZ Bahrain highlighted programs offered to beneficiaries in the second phase to prepare them for the labor market.

The Minister of Interior thanked the General Directorate for the Enforcement of Sentences and Alternative Sentences for its role in implementing modern reform and rehabilitation initiatives to ensure the success of the program and to promote national achievements in the field of human rights.

He also appreciated the role of public and private bodies in supporting the program. He wished everyone well in serving the country.

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