Amman, Jan. 19 (Petra) - Minister of Justice, Dr. Bassam Talhouni, said his ministry supervised the implementation of approximately 3,700 alternatives to carceral punishments during 2024, noting the current government's commitment to expanding the application of this approach.

To carry out its vision, Talhouni said the ministry has so far contracted multiple "accredited" and partner entities by signing 20 memoranda of understanding to secure places and rehabilitation programs, aimed at correcting behavior of the policy's beneficiaries.

Additionally, he noted these alternatives top the "key innovative" solutions that can be "more effective" in achieving justice goals and reducing the negative effects of traditional custodial terms.

Talhouni's comments came Sunday at a symposium, organized by the Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the Justice Center for Legal Aid (JCLA), entitled: "Alternatives to Custodial Sentences".

The minister noted the event constitutes an opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise, aimed to reaching the application of the "best" practices in the field.

Continuing: "Criminal justice is a tool to achieve balance in society, protect rights and preserve freedoms, maintain security and societal peace, and rehabilitate individuals, who have committed misdemeanors and integrate them into society."

Noting the multiple challenges by relying on custodial sentences,he primarily referred to the negative impact on convicts, loss of their livelihood, overcrowding of correctional and rehabilitation centers, financial costs, difficulty of integration into society, and recidivism cases.

In Jordan, he noted these alternatives include community service, e-bracelet monitoring, community rehabilitation programs, and ban to visit certain places.

The two-day event was attended by experts from Jordan and Bahrain, Jordan Judicial Council, representatives of partner entities, Public Security Directorate, and civil society institutions, according to a ministry statement.
//Petra// AG


19/01/2025 16:41:57