Roundtable debate on alternative punishment held

Manama, Apr. 23 (BNA): Deputy President of the Supreme Judicial Council and President of the Court of Cassation Chancellor Abdullah bin Hassan Al Buainin stressed that the royal directives to boost effective enforcement of alternative punishment and provide appropriate rehabilitation programmes for the convicts reflects the great importance of alternative punishment in upgrading the judicial system. He affirmed the move reflects development of the concept of punishment based on the principle of promoting reform and rehabilitation while meeting the requirements of justice. Chancellor Al Buainin was speaking during a roundtable debate organised by the Supreme Judicial Council, the Public Prosecution, the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments. The function was hosted today by the Institute of Judicial and Legal Studies on rehabilitation programmes and community service activities in enforcing alternative punishment. The event was held under the patronage of Attorney General Dr. Ali bin Fadhel Al Buainin, in the presence of Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa. The roundtable debate witnessed large participation of senior officials from ministries and government bodies as well as members of the judicial branch and Public Prosecution. It cast light on the role of public institutions in enforcing the alternative punishment sentences. Chancellor Al Buainin said in the opening speech that adopting best modern practices in alternative punishment enhances the achievement of the objectives of punishment in its comprehensive sense as an integral part of the criminal justice system based on the need to deter and rehabilitate the perpetrator, guarantee their rights and protect society by combating and reducing crime through effective measures that contribute to assessing, correcting and reforming the offender's behaviour as well as reducing the likelihood of a return to crime. Attorney General Dr. Ali bin Fadhel Al Buainin lauded the royal directives concerning alternative punishment which has to be based on compatibility in enforcing sentences without undermining the rights of the crime victims. Meanwhile, the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister underlined the importance of alternative punishment and its positive effect on the convict and the community. He also stressed the role of public institutions and enforcing the law and the alternative punishment verdicts.