Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued a royal decree granting a pardon to numerous convicts involved in riot and criminal cases, marking the silver jubilee of his accession to the throne and coinciding with the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr. A total of 1,584 prisoners have been included in this royal pardon.
According to a statement published on the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the pardon reflects the King’s commitment to the cohesion and resilience of Bahraini society, aiming to protect its social fabric in the interest of the public good, preserve personal and civil rights, and adhere to the principles of justice and the rule of law.
The decree also takes into consideration the preservation of judicial independence, balancing punishment with the humanitarian and social circumstances of the convicts, and providing an opportunity for positive reintegration into society. This move aligns with Bahrain’s approach and regional stature in human rights and legal standards.