The institution will be administratively and financially affiliated with the Sharjah Police
Sharjah’s Ruler on Monday announced a new correctional institution in the emirate and issued a new law regulating such facilities.
The law is aimed at establishing the general policy of the correctional institution in order to ensure security, reform, and rehabilitation.
It also establishes principles and rules governing the institution, based on the principle of social defence, so that the enforcement of sentences serves to protect society.
Under the directives of Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, institutions will provide a safe environment that safeguards the dignity of inmates and protects their rights.
They will also focus on socially, psychologically and culturally reforming and rehabilitating convicted persons serving custodial sentences.
The provisions of the law shall apply to the correctional institution, as well as to any other institutions or centres established to achieve the same objectives, and to places designated for the execution of pre-trial detention orders, where such places are located outside the geographical jurisdiction of the institution’s administration.
New correctional institution
Under the directives, a local institution for correction and rehabilitation — known as the ‘correctional institution’, shall be established in the city. The institution will be administratively and financially affiliated with the Sharjah Police.
The headquarters of the institution is set to be located in Sharjah.
The Commander-in-Chief may establish branches or designate locations for the institution in other cities and areas of the emirate.
The law stipulates that the institution shall be divided into:
1. Correctional institution for men
2. Correctional institution for women
3. Juvenile centre for persons sentenced to imprisonment or placement, with due regard to the separation of males and females.
The law sets out legal provisions covering all aspects of the organisation of the correctional institution, including regulations governing its construction, supervision, and administration.
It will also oversee the database, inspection procedures, visitation arrangements, admission of inmates, their rights, healthcare, social care, education and awareness.
Additionally, it is set to manage violations and disciplinary sanctions, the release of inmates, age categories and benefits granted to inmates, and other related legal provisions.
Source: Khaleejtimes
