Latest news with #NawafbinMohammedAlMaawda
Daily Tribune
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Shura Council backs expansion of alternative sentencing on way to rehabilitation
Over 8,000 convicts have been spared jail time under Bahrain's alternative sentencing law. Now the Shura Council has agreed to extend its scope, approving changes to the legislation during its session yesterday and passing the bill to the Prime Minister. The draft, tied to Royal Decree No. 96 of 2024, amends Law No. 18 of 2017. It proposes new forms of non-custodial punishment, sets out a single body to manage enforcement, and grants the Interior Minister power to decide where such sentences may be carried out. Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf Minister, His Excellency Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, and Social Development Minister, H.E. Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, attended the debate. Final vote A final vote was taken in the same sitting, with the bill now on track to reach His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Ali Al Aradi, rapporteur for the committee handling the matter, said the changes aimed to keep up with shifts in working life and to improve how sentences are put into practice. 'This will help those affected to find their footing again,' he said. Al Maawda told the chamber that each case is weighed up carefully. Behaviour 'Every file comes with a report, and each person is assessed by those in charge of security, as well as staff inside the correctional facility. Their behaviour inside the prison is taken into account,' he said. 'There are ways of checking if someone has gained anything from their time on an alternative sentence. No one walks out the door unless they've ticked all the boxes and proved ready.' During the discussion, Shaikh Ahmed Al Khalifa questioned the match between the new types of sentence and the nature of the offences. 'Is the replacement really fair in light of the crime?' he asked. He also wanted to know if those under review are given proper assessments, not just in terms of behaviour, but their state of mind and health. Support He noted that many departments had supported the proposed changes. 'This offers a way back. It gives those sentenced to jail a chance to be part of society again.' Dr Ali Al Rumaihi, who chairs the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, said 8,278 people had already benefitted from the existing law since it came into force in 2018. 'The idea has been put to work here more than in most places across the region,' he said. 'These changes will make it clearer who is in charge of what, and will widen the use of these sentences.' Input Dr Jehad Al Fadhel, Second Deputy Chairwoman of the Council, said the law had evolved with input from the Ministry of Interior, based on how it has played out on the ground. 'The thinking has changed. Prisons here are not just holding pens. The purpose is to put people back on their feet.' She added that some of the planned penalties involve treatment in mental health clinics. Villain 'That shows a grasp of the fact that not everyone behind bars is a villain. Some need help, not a cell.'
Biz Bahrain
10-03-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Justice Minister launches remote visual notarisation service
Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, announced the launch of the remote visual notarisation service, enabling notarisation transactions to be completed electronically from start to finish. The final documents are legally valid for official use, with all necessary legal safeguards in place. Speaking at a press conference, the minister said that the initiative aligns with the government's digital transformation strategy under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and supports Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. The optional service will be implemented in phases, with the first phase covering 31 types of transactions, including private power of attorney, company incorporation, and property status modifications. It will be available both in Bahrain and abroad. The minister highlighted the continuous development of notarisation services, transitioning from in-person requirements to remote transactions under the supervision of the Notarisation and Enforcement Directorate. The new system allows users to cancel powers of attorney online via the eKey portal and track transactions in real time. Future expansions will include real estate transactions and additional services, integrating the upgraded eKey 2.0 system. The minister commended the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), Blox Consulting, and the ministry's teams, particularly the Notarisation and Enforcement and IT Directorates, for their contributions to the project. During the press conference, Wafa Ibrahim Al Hajeri, Director of Information Technology, presented an overview of the service and its key features. At the event's conclusion, the minister honoured private notary and lawyer Mohammed Abdulamir Al Wasti, who completed the first notarisation transaction using the new remote service within the first hour of its launch. BNA(R)
Bahrain News Gazette
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Bahrain News Gazette
Justice Minister Meets With Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General
Manama: Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, received Mohamed Abdel Salam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders. He commended the preparations and efforts of Al Azhar Al Sharif, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders in organising the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference. According to Bahrain News Agency, Bahrain will host the conference on February 19-20 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The event will be attended by Grand Imam Professor Ahmad Al Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with a distinguished group of scholars. Minister Al Maawda highlighted the significance of the conference's timing, noting its broad participation from across the Islamic world. He emphasised that Bahrain's hosting of the event reflects its commitment to supporting unity and enhancing dialogue through constructive engagement.
