Representatives Council: Royal pardon reflects respect for human rights, freedoms

Manama, Dec. 26 (BNA): The Council of Representatives has extended sincere thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for issuing a royal decree on pardoning some inmates and replacing the remaining jail sentences with non-custodial penalties for others, as well for his directives to expand the application of the law on alternative punishment and measures. In a statement issued today, the Representatives Council stressed that the royal kind gesture reflects the keenness of HM the King, as a “wise leader and father of everyone”, to grant the convicts an opportunity to come to their senses, return to the right path, participate in building the nation and abide by the laws and regulations. “The Royal directives affirm the keenness of HM King Hamad to promote rights and freedoms, in accordance with a pioneering civilised practice, and to uphold the noble human vision, in considering the circumstances of the convicts, as well as in rehabilitating and reforming them, in their interests, as well as those of their families and society,” the statement added. The Representatives Council prayed to Allah the Almighty to protect Bahrain, and bless it with further progress and prosperity during HM the King’s prosperous era.