HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa commend the Interior Minister for the success and professional implementation of the alternative sentencing programme results

Manama: (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received yesterday members of the royal family, the Chairman of the Shura Council, Speaker of the Representatives Council, and officials at Sakhir Palace. HM the King welcomed the attendees and praised the long-standing Bahraini tradition of such gatherings, which strengthen community ties.
In his speech, His Majesty the King commended the Ministry of Interior for the success and professional implementation of the alternative sentencing programme, which is the first of its kind in the region. His Majesty highlighted the commitment and efforts of the constitutional and legislative bodies to continually develop criminal justice measures and develop a unique model based on restorative justice and human rights principles.
HM the King thanked General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Interior Minister, and all officials involved in this initiative, which has advanced significantly and gained international recognition. His Majesty congratulated the team for their successful efforts in providing beneficiaries with new opportunities for social reintegration and family stability. His Majesty emphasised the importance of the goals of the programme, directing for further developing it and expanding the range of opportunities for benefiting from it.
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, delivered a speech, expressing gratitude to His Majesty the King for his support. He noted that the alternative sentencing law, was guided by HM the King’s directives, emphasising that youth do not belong in prison, but rather should be embraced by their families, community, and country.
In light of the royal directives, the minister said, the directorate has been assigned to formulate required programmes in liaison with partner entities. He highlighted the role of the Public Prosecution in coordinating between the police and the judiciary.
The Interior Minister thanked His Majesty the King for his recognition of the members of the General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing, emphasising their commitment and determination to serve their nation.
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah highlighted the pivotal role of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in the success of the programme since its launch in 2018. The programme has successfully reintegrated 7,458 beneficiaries, with a compliance rate of 97.5%, one of the highest globally.
The implementation of the Alternative Sentencing and Open Prisons programmes received regional and international recognition, including the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Award for Arab Security, and international accreditation from the American Correctional Association as the first entity outside the United States. Bahrain’s Open Prisons Programme, launched in 2022, is an innovative step in the region’s approach to criminal justice reform, particularly emphasizing the human rights of prisoners. This programme gives middle and high-risk detainees the opportunity to reintegrate into society by engaging in community service during the day while returning to secure, quality accommodation at night. It is part of Bahrain's broader "alternative punishments" initiative, which also includes the "alternative sentencing" programme. This allows even those convicted of serious security or terrorism-related offenses to qualify for release under community service, home detention, and other rehabilitation schemes.

The human rights dimension of this programme is significant as it focuses on the dignity and reintegration of prisoners. Of the 48 inmates in the first batch of 2022, 13 successfully secured permanent jobs in the private sector, marking a milestone in their rehabilitation process. This success has led to the expansion of the programme with a second group of 57 participants.

A Bahrain Government spokesperson emphasized the reformative nature of the initiative, saying, “As part of the wide-ranging criminal justice reforms, Bahrain’s Courts will now be in a position to make much greater use of alternative sentencing and the justice system will more clearly focus on the rehabilitation of offenders and their reintegration into society.”

International attention has further highlighted the human rights achievements of the programme. Chris Field, the International Ombudsman, who visited the facilities, praised Bahrain's efforts, calling the initiative “the most progressive and positive of its kind anywhere in the world.” This programme, the first of its kind in the Middle East, underscores Bahrain’s commitment to upholding human rights while setting a new standard for criminal justice reform across the region.