Manama, Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the Director-General of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing, received Fiona Walker, the UK’s Deputy Ambassador to Bahrain.

Shaikh Khalid said that the Open Prisons Programme was a step forward in the progress of protecting human rights Bahrain, supported by the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which is aimed at developing the criminal justice system and focusing on the rehabilitation of prisoners .

He added that the Interior Ministry is keen on adopting international standards in alternative sentencing and open prisons programmes, under the directives of Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Interior Minister.

Shaikh Khalif explained the Open Prisons Programme's objectives and briefed the UK’s Deputy Ambassador on the rehabilitation and training programmes and services provided to beneficiaries, and the set up of the the open prisons buildings.

The two parties also discussed means of cooperation and coordination and continuing joint training and exchange of expertise.

Source: Bahrain News Agency