Bahrain Shura Council endorses prison reform legislation

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A piece of legislation was unanimously endorsed yesterday by the Shura Council aiming to reform the General Directorate of Reformation and Rehabilitation’s functions.

Conceived in accordance with the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission, the amendments enhance current protocols for managing detainees and prisoners, aiming to improve detainee services and positively affect their families’ mental health, reflecting Bahrain’s dedication to its reformation agenda.

The draft law received the green light from the Council of Representatives on April 30th and was subsequently brought to the upper house for the final seal of approval.

The legislation broadens visitation rights and ensures free healthcare for inmates and pre-trial detainees, extending visitation to those authorised by the directorate, thus supporting prisoners’ connections with their community, vital for their rehabilitation.

His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohamed Alromaihi, the Head of the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and National Security Committee, remarked, “On the momentous occasion marking the silver jubilee of His Majesty the King’s ascension, it is imperative to underscore the doctrine of the separation of powers — a cornerstone principle that underpins the governance of our nation.”

Dr. Mohamed Ali Hasan Ali further remarked, “This reformist legislation represents a monumental stride in the transformation of our prison system, setting a new benchmark in that regard.”

Dr. Fatema Alkooheji highlighted the importance of adopting terminology that reflects a rehabilitative and growth-oriented approach in the proposed amendments.

She advocated for the phrase “correct the inmate’s behaviour’ to replace “correct the inmate’s mistake” and suggested “improve the behaviour of the inmate” as a more fitting alternative to “develop the behaviour of the inmate.”