Shura Council to Review Amendments to Alternative Sentencing and Child Justice Laws
Manama: The Shura Council will review two legislative proposals during its 24th session on Sunday, including amendments to the Alternative Sentencing Law (Law 18 of 2017) and the Reform Justice Law for Children and Protection from Abuse (Law 4 of 2021).
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Council will consider the report submitted by the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee regarding a draft law accompanying Royal Decree (96) of 2024, proposing amendments to Law 18 of 2017. The draft aims to broaden the scope of alternative sanctions and enhance the regulatory framework governing their application. The amendments introduce two new articles, Article 9 bis and Article 9 bis (1), which include psychological and health-based measures and less restrictive punitive alternatives, respectively.
The proposed amendments designate the Ministry of Interior as the sole entity responsible for executing alternative sentences. The law grants the Minister of Interior the authority to determine approved institutions for enforcement. Implementation will be regulated through decisions issued by the Minister of Justice, in coordination with the Supreme Judicial Council and the Minister of Interior, to ensure consistent and effective application. The revised legislation reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to a rehabilitative criminal justice approach, in line with international human rights standards and modern penal policies.
Separately, the Council will consider the report of the Committee on Women and Children concerning a draft law accompanying Royal Decree (95) of 2024 Amending Certain Provisions of Law (4) of 2021 Promulgating the Restorative Justice Law for Children and Their Protection from Maltreatment. The proposed amendments aim to strengthen the role of the Child Protection Centre in preparing judicial assessments for minors and allow the Ministry of Interior to participate in the ongoing monitoring of juvenile cases.
The amendments would also enable the competent authority to request modification, termination, or replacement of a judicial measure at any time, without being bound by minimum duration requirements. In addition, courts would be authorised to impose non-custodial measures in felony cases under mitigating circumstances, while maintaining judicial oversight of the child's progress throughout implementation. Both legislative proposals underline Bahrain's ongoing efforts to modernise its legal system, strengthen procedural safeguards, and uphold a balanced approach to justice that promotes social reintegration while ensuring public safety.
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