Director General of Alternative Sentencing participates in MENA Police Chiefs’ meeting

Lyon, Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the Director General of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing, led Bahrain's Ministry of Interior delegation at the 8th meeting of Middle East and North Africa Police Chiefs, held at the Interpol General Secretariat in France. Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid highlighted the importance of international cooperation in security, particularly in developing correctional and rehabilitation institutions. He emphasised the role of Bahrain's alternative sentencing programme, including the Open Prisons Programme, which focuses on rehabilitating inmates, integrating them into society, and promoting human rights while maintaining public safety. The director general expressed pride in Bahrain's achievements in criminal justice reform, noting the kingdom's pioneering initiatives, such as the alternative sentencing programme, which reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He also acknowledged the strong support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin H amad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the close oversight of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Interior Minister. He further highlighted that the Alternative Sanctions and Measures Law, introduced in 2017, is the first of its kind in the Middle East. The Open Prisons Programme, as part of this initiative, provides advanced training and rehabilitation to prepare inmates for employment opportunities in cooperation with various sectors. On the sidelines of the meeting, Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid met with Jrgen Stock, Interpol Secretary General, and discussed Bahrain's significant efforts to enhance correctional and rehabilitation systems and reinforcing human rights principles. Source: Bahrain News Agency