Khalid bin Rashid: Recidivism in Bahrain one of lowest globally at 2.5%

Manama, Mar. 2 (BNA): Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the Director-General of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing at the Interior Ministry, stated that Bahrain has one of the lowest recidivism rates internationally at 2.5% among beneficiaries of alternative punishments and open prisons. He said that 6,370 individuals benefited from the programme to date.

During a lecture titled “A King’s Vision... Reviving Hope,” organised by the General Secretariat of the Shura Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, Shaikh Khalid highlighted the success of Bahrain's programme for alternative punishments and open prisons

During the lecture, Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said Bahrain's Alternative Penal Code was a progressive initiative, aligned with the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and overseen by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khlaifa, the Crown Prince, Prime Minister. He said it focused on restorative justice, offering offenders a chance to reform and reintegrate into society to prevent recidivism.

Shaikh Khalid emphasised the importance of legislation that supports alternative punishments and open prisons project, and the expansion of its implementation, for the benefit of society.

The lecture covered the types of alternative punishments, eligibility criteria, application processing, and program evolution to cater to long-term offenders, leading to the establishment of open prisons for rehabilitation. It also reviewed beneficiary categories, programme stages, and successful cases.

The Shura Council members commended the positive results achieved through Bahrain's the initiatives of the alternative punishments and open prisons programme, and the efforts to establish and develop this programme under the supervision of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior.