A major forum aimed at exploring the latest developments in restorative criminal justice in comparative legal systems opened at the Gulf Convention Centre, Manama yesterday.
The two-day ‘Conference on Promoting Restorative Criminal Justice’ is aimed at shedding light on the role of the judicial and legal systems in establishing restorative policies.
Restorative justice brings those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
Challenges and opportunities in the field were discussed by experts from around the world and legal foundations on both national and international levels were highlighted.
The conference was organised by the Public Prosecution and the Interior Ministry in co-operation with Riyadh-based Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) and the Institute of Judicial and Legal Studies.
Notable attendees included Attorney General Dr Ali Al Buainain, Supreme Judicial Council vice-president and Cassation Court president Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, NAUSS president Dr Abdul Majeed Al Banyan and institute director and judge Riyadh Seyadi.
Delivering the opening address, Dr Al Buainain highlighted and evaluated the strides made by Bahrain in promoting human rights and advancing criminal justice systems.
Officials and participants at the conference
“Restorative criminal justice arises from a profound understanding of criminal accountability and an enlightened perspective on punishment,” he said.
“This approach transcends traditional practices, offering broader, more inclusive horizons that balance individual rights with private and public interests, all the while maintaining the principles of justice.
“Our goal for this conference is to strengthen restorative criminal justice and ensure its optimal implementation by exploring its mechanisms, identifying challenges and anticipating the positive outcomes of its application.
“Additionally, we aim to examine comparative global models, both in terms of application and in overcoming challenges to achieve tangible benefits.”
Shaikh Khalid highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to implementing procedural and punitive criminal systems efficiently as part of national efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system.
“This conference comes as part of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad, and the support of Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa,” he said.
“Bahrain emphasises creating legal frameworks and alternative mechanisms for criminal justice, grounded in voluntary resolution, dialogue and addressing the consequences of crime.
“The Alternative Penalties and Procedures Law has provided rehabilitation programmes tailored to the personal circumstances of offenders, with a focus on their reform.
“Bahrain’s alternative penalties have proven to be a successful measure, aligning seamlessly with the principles of criminal justice.
“Initiatives such as the Open Prisons Programme represent a qualitative leap in the human rights and reform landscape of Bahrain.”
Since its launch in 2018, around 6,712 people are estimated to have benefited from the alternative sentencing project. The initiative includes the Open Prisons Programme, which boasts a 97.5 per cent success rate, with 77 beneficiaries successfully reintegrating into society.
Yesterday’s sessions included a talk on ‘The Concept of Restorative Justice’ by Dr Al Buainain, Shaikh Khalid, legal philosopher and a restorative justice expert Dr Theo Gavrielides, University of South Wales professor Ali Wardak and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime representative Hatem Aly.
There was also a session on ‘The Evolution of Applications of Restorative Criminal Justice’ by counsellor Nawaf Hamza, Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing Directorate director-general Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa, court of appeal president judge Badr Al Abdulla and Public Security for Community Affairs assistant chief Brigadier General Dr Ammar Al Sayed.
The conference concludes today with talks on ‘Developments of Criminal Justice Administration’ and the ‘Role of Judicial Agencies in Restorative Justice’.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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