Manama: Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Director General of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing at the Ministry of Interior, received Tuula Yrj¶l¤, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to the Kingdom of Bahrain, during her visit to review Bahrain's experience in implementing alternative sentencing and its reform programmes.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Director General welcomed the Ambassador, expressing appreciation for the visit, which reflects Finland's commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation. He said that the Alternative Sentencing Programme is one of the main components of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's comprehensive development project, supported by the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted that the programme includes specialised rehabilitation initiatives, such as the Open Prisons Programme, and highlighted the follow-up and guidance of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, who ensures the application of international best practices in alternative sentencing and open prisons.
During the visit, the Ambassador was briefed on the Kingdom's experience in implementing the Alternative Sentencing and Open Prison Programmes, and the achievements made in the area of human rights.
The visit included a tour of the Open Prisons Complex, where the Ambassador viewed its modern facilities and infrastructure, including educational classrooms, vocational training centres, a health club, and psychological and social support units aimed at rehabilitating inmates and facilitating their reintegration into society.
Both sides discussed means to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise and experiences in related fields to serve the mutual interests of the two friendly countries. On her part, Ambassador Yrj¶l¤ commended the distinguished experience she observed and emphasised the importance of advancing future cooperation between the two countries.