Bahrain : Member of the Representatives Council, MP Dr. Abdulla Al-Thawadi, has stated that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s issuance of Decree-Law 24/2021, amending Article (13) of Law 18/2017 on penalties and alternative measures reflects the progress of Bahrain’s legislation and laws, being the first Arab country to allow alternative sentencing to ensure the reintegration of the convicts into society in return for specific conditions aimed at achieving the interests of the convicts and society.
He added that convicts who pose a threat to public security or fail to honour their financial obligations will not benefit from alternative penalties, noting that the move aims to strike a balance between providing alternative punishments and protecting society from the danger of security crimes.
MP Al-Thawadi pointed out that the amendment will contribute to increasing the number of beneficiaries from alternative sentencing, as the decree-law gives greater authority to the execution judge, at the request of the Ministry of Interior, to release inmates who meet the conditions, which is considered a great flexibility in implementing the law, confirming the Kingdom’s efforts to develop its legislation in accordance with international conventions.
MP Dr. Al-Thawadi said that the legislative branch backs all efforts to develop legislation that achieves the interests of the nation and the citizens, safeguards security and stability, preserves national gains, priorities the interests of all, guarantees the rights of citizens in all fields, achieves societal reformation and family stability, and keeps pace with the requirements of sustainable development.
