Imprisonment replaced with alternative punishments for 30 people

Manama, Sept. 13 (BNA): Alternative punishments replaced imprisonment sentences for 30 convicts following the study of their cases from social, economic and security aspects. The convicts’ names were on a list prepared by the sentencing execution department at the Ministry of Interior and the executive judge issued his decision to replace the custodial penalties with alternative sentences that suit their conditions. The alternative sentencing is within the framework of the reform approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa that includes emphasizing the rule of law and institutions and the protection of human rights values and principles. It is also in line with the measures to enhance the maintenance of rights and the rule of law supported by the government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. On September 9, HM King Hamad issued Decree-Law 24/2021 amending Article 13 of Law 18/2017 on alternative sanctions and measures. Under the law, the relevant authority at the Interior Ministry may request the executive judge to substitute the original penalty by one or more of the alternative penalties provided that it would not pose a threat to public security, and that the convicted person must have paid all the financial liabilities handed down against them by a criminal court, unless it is impossible for them to pay.