Abu Dhabi Judicial Department Evaluates Alternatives To Imprisonment

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department's (ADJD) newly established Committee for Rehabilitation and Correctional Policies held its first meeting, marking a significant step towards reforming the Emirate's judicial system. Under the leadership of Counsellor Youssef Saeed Al Abri, the Under-Secretary of the Judicial Department, the committee explored various initiatives aimed at refining penalties, introducing alternatives to imprisonment, and enhancing the operations of rehabilitation and correctional centres in line with judicial processes.

This initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the ADJD. The overarching goal is to elevate Abu Dhabi's judicial system to global standards, thereby boosting its competitive edge. The committee's discussions covered a broad spectrum of topics, including the adoption of best practices from around the world in managing rehabilitation and correctional facilities.

Counsellor Al Abri underscored the committee's commitment to developing a robust framework for overseeing these centres. This framework aims at rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders into society as productive individuals. Furthermore, it seeks to reduce prison sentences and expand the application of alternative punishments for minor offences, such as community service, which aligns with the objectives of rehabilitation and discipline.

The committee is tasked with crafting a comprehensive plan, policy, and operational guide for rehabilitation and correctional centres. These documents will ensure that the centres' operations are in harmony with the strategic plans of courts and prosecution offices within Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the committee is responsible for proposing legislation that broadens the scope of alternative sentencing measures, thereby reducing reliance on incarceration for minor crimes.

This initiative represents a pivotal move towards enhancing the efficiency and humanity of Abu Dhabi's judicial system. By focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment alone, Abu Dhabi aims to foster a more just and rehabilitative approach to corrections that benefits not only individuals but society as a whole.

With inputs from WAM