Alternative penalty to gain more strength

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Stricter controls are on the horizon as part of new alternative penalties, with convicts facing mandatory reporting, mental health treatment, and internet access restrictions.

These measures will come into force if a draft law, presented by the Government, receives approval from MPs.

The Government is also seeking to transfer significant responsibilities from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Interior.

Under the new provisions, convicts would be required to report to security authorities at specified times, face restrictions on accessing specific websites, and stay at designated rehabilitation facilities, undergoing regular assessments by medical professionals.

The Ministry of Interior would set the conditions for their release and establish the rules for mandatory reporting to security authorities.

Currently, there are seven penalties available for alternative sentencing, including:

• Community service

• House arrest

• Restrictions on visiting certain places

• A commitment not to contact specific individuals or entities

• Electronic monitoring

• Attendance at rehabilitation and training programmes

• Restitution for damages caused by the crime

If the draft law is approved, the Ministry of Interior would oversee the placement of convicts in community service, ensuring they are assigned, with their consent, to unpaid work with various organisations. The Ministry would also design and implement rehabilitation and training programmes and define the conditions and procedures for enforcing website bans, including when restricted sites may be accessed.

Additionally, the law clarifies the process for convicts seeking alternative sentences. Individuals sentenced to a year or less in prison, or to corporal punishment, can petition the judge to replace their sentence with alternative penalties. The Public Prosecution will coordinate with the Ministry of Interior on these requests, with the judge making the final decision.