Sharjah Ruler Issues Law Regulating Correctional Institution
Sharjah, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued a law regulating the Correctional Institution in the Emirate of Sharjah, with the aim of strengthening security while promoting reform and rehabilitation.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the law establishes the general policy and governing principles of the Correctional Institution based on social defence, ensuring that the enforcement of sentences contributes to protecting society.
The legislation also seeks to provide a safe environment that safeguards the dignity and rights of inmates and supports their social, psychological and cultural rehabilitation during custodial sentences.
Under the new law, a local institution for correction and rehabilitation, to be known as the “Correctional Institution,” will be established in Sharjah. It will be administratively and financially affiliated with Sharjah Police, with its headquarters located in Sharjah City.
The law permits the establishment of branches or the designation of additional locations in other cities and areas of the emirate, subject to a decision by the Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police and approval from the Executive Council.
The institution will comprise separate facilities for men and women, as well as a juvenile centre for persons sentenced to imprisonment or placement, with male and female juveniles kept separately.
The legislation covers a wide range of matters related to the institution’s construction, supervision and administration, as well as inmate databases, inspection procedures, visitation, admission, healthcare, social care, education and awareness programmes, disciplinary measures, release procedures, age categories and benefits available to inmates.
The law applies to the Correctional Institution and other institutions or centres established for similar purposes, as well as designated locations for the execution of pre-trial detention orders where such facilities are outside the institution administration’s geographical jurisdiction.
