Bahraini ministry clarifies proposal for juvenile misdemeanors

In response to questions regarding the Interior Ministry's proposal for a precautionary measure instead of jail term for juveniles between 15-18 years of age who are found to be involved in rioting and arson, the Assistant Undersecretary of Legal Affairs asserted that the Ministry was keen to ensure flexibility to give the judge the choice to implement it on minor misdemeanors but not on felonies and serious crimes.
He said that the proposal gives the judge the choice as to how to best deal with each individual case, noting that the law is meant for reformation and rehabilitation. The Ministry considers the proposal to be a legal method to integrate that age group into society as good citizens. Through the proposal the judge could enroll them into education and national programs to protect them from going back to a violent and criminal lifestyle.
He said that the Ministry has looked into similar successful programs in other countries and commented that education and social reformation Programs often give better results than jail penalties. He clarified that the proposal does not cover crimes covered in the terrorism law. He said that the Ministry’s main duty is to protect society and its members and it does not hesitate in prosecuting criminals who incite, partner or assist those who threaten general security and public order. (MOI-Police Media Centre).