Alternative Sentencing Director receives delegation from UAE’s Interior Ministry

Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the Director-General of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing, received a delegation from the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). At the outset, Shaikh Khalid expressed appreciation for the delegation's interest in Bahrain's alternative sentencing and open prisons programme. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation, coordination, and exchanging expertise in alternative sentencing, along with discussing topics of common interest. Shaikh Khalid highlighted that the alternative sentencing and open prisons programme was a initiative supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, reflecting the humanitarian values and principles of his reign. He added that the programme is closely monitored by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He pointed that the programme has achieved significant global recognition in human rights, due to the directives of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah A l Khalifa, the Minister of Interior, who oversees the application of the highest international standards. Recently, the open prisons programme received international accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA), making it the first institution outside the United States to achieve this. During their visit to the prison complex, the delegation was shown various facilities and the range of rehabilitation services provided by the General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing. They were briefed on the advantages and development stages of the alternative sentencing law since its launch in 2018. As part of demonstrating the Directorate's active community partnership with civil society institutions, the delegation visited the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Society (SMES). They learned about the cooperation between the Directorate and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce in training and preparing beneficiaries of alternative sentences for entrepreneurship and integration in to the labour market. The delegation toured the Society's premises, observing training rooms and project incubators. The programme also included a visit to the Drug Recovery Association 'Taafi', where the delegation learned about the Recovery Programme. This programme is part of the rehabilitation and training efforts for beneficiaries of alternative sentences, focusing on instilling human and citizenship values, raising awareness about the dangers of drugs, and providing psychological and behavioural treatment for reintegration into society. Additionally, the delegation visited the Crime Prevention Directorate, which offers the "Tamam" and "Same'a" programmes as part of the rehabilitation and training for alternative sentencing beneficiaries. The efforts and achievements of these programmes were reviewed, including field studies on the effectiveness of internationally benchmarked methodologies. In conclusion, the UAE Ministry of Interior delegation praised Bahrain's alternative sentencing and open prisons programme, recognising it as a unique and exemplary national initiative designed and implemented with high professionalism and quality. They emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation, coordination, and experience exchange in alternative sentencing. Source: Bahrain News Agency