Reform centres, open prisons programme praised

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s pioneering initiative to adopt the reform centres and open prisons programme in accordance with well-defined regulations has earned praise.

The Arab Observatory for Human Rights of the Arab Parliament commended the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to start putting in place the necessary executive mechanisms for the programme. It described the move as a reflection of the kingdom’s keenness to protect and promote the human rights system and a “model to emulate” according to international standards.

In a statement, the group noted that the royal directives reflect the keen vision of HM the King to protect the Bahraini social texture.

It described the move as an extension of the success of the alternative penalties programme as a national, civilisational and humanitarian project.

The observatory also praised Bahrain’s efforts and tireless endeavour to develop the criminal justice system and foster human rights.

It lauded the meeting of Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa with heads and representatives of human rights institutions in the Kingdom and his directives to speed up the implementation of the executive mechanism of the open prisons programme.

 Likewise, it stressed the importance of the move in rehabilitating the wrongdoers and reintegrate them in the community according to well-defined regulations.