They are, first and foremost, punishments imposed by society on criminals and outlaws to penalize them, make them pay for their mistakes and deter others from committing crimes.
These alternative punishments are in fact real penalties, but with different functions that do not involve imprisonment or whipping.
Director General of Prisons Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Harithy said the system of alternative punishments is set to be approved after it has been endorsed by the Interior Ministry.
“Alternative punishments have their own conditions and commitments. They are not an open vacation or a picnic outside the prison walls,” he said.
The conditions and commitments of alternative punishments include, among others, a ban from driving and travel, losing guardianship, participating in Civil Defense work and working with Boy Scouts, guarding buildings at night and teaching illiterate people.
There are also alternative punishments that restrict freedom of movement, such as curfews and surveillance using cameras and bracelets.
They will lead to a reduction in the influx of prisoners to penitentiaries, which are already filled to their brims.
It is also better than building new prisons that would cost billions of riyals. Alternative punishments will protect young people who commit petty crimes from mixing with hardened criminals in prisons, preventing further potential tragedies.
Al-Harithy clarified the system at a lecture hosted by the Taif Literary Club.
We are implementing a civilized system that embodies a just and humanitarian look at punishments. This is a step that must be hailed. Interior Minister Prince Naif and the ministry’s staff must be appreciated for this giant leap forward.
