The UQU Deanship of Scientific Research and the Vice Deanship of Scientific Research Centers organized today, in collaboration with the Social Affairs Committee at the Emirate of Makkah Region, the two sessions of the preparatory meeting of "the Alternative Sanctions" workshop at King Abdulaziz supporting hall, in Al-Abdiyyah.

The Dean of the College of Community Service and Continuing Education, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Alternative Sanctions Workshop, Prof. Khalid Barqawi, pointed out that the project aims to reform the behavior and guide the offender, instead of leaving him to the unknown, giving the offender a chance to repent to Allah. Prof. Barqawi added that the ultimate objective of the project is not just to achieve what the society aims to achieve through the system of alternative sanctions, but to present, after their application, Allah willing, a humane model to be followed in the justice systems in other societies. Such an application also represents a new contribution of the Makkah community to promote social development in other countries, according to the vision of the Kingdom 2030 launched by the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud, may Allah protect him.

His Excellency Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Ahdal, the Dean of Scientific Research, stressed the importance of scientific research, its role in universities and its status, and the need to activate the role of research centers to serve the community, here comes (the efforts of) the Alternative Sanctions Workshop being one example of this. The UQU Vice-President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Thamir bin Hamdan Al-Harbi, stressed the importance of the workshop and its role in serving the community. He added that the workshop is part of the programs and partnerships that the Deanship seeks to carry out in cooperation with different bodies and sectors.

The first session, 'Alternative sanctions: reality and obstacles', was chaired by Dr. Muhammad Al-Sawwat, an academic staff member at the College of Shari`ah. Dr. Faisal Al-Hazmi, Governor of Khulais, took part in this session and presented a working paper on the difficulty of applying alternative sanctions in prisons. Ayman Fuad Maddah, Director General of Law in the Emirate of Makkah Region, reviewed the role of the regulations that include the ancillary sanctions and those suspended for specific reasons.

The Director of the Department of Planning and Development at the police force in the Holy City of Makkah, Colonel Brigadier Dr. Khalid Al-Fa`ar, presented a working paper on the positive aspects of the application of alternative penalties with juveniles, and how the competent authorities implement such penalties.

Dr. Muhammad Al-Qarni, the lieutenant colonel and the supervisor of the "Thiqa" and "Ishraqah" programs in the prisons of the Makkah Region, talked about the integration of sanctions involving deprivation of liberties and alternative sentences in prisons. Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Tukhis, the judge of the Criminal Court in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, discussed the obstacles to the application of alternative sanctions.

Moreover, the President of the Court of Appeal in Al-Khobar and the former Judge Sheikh Ablan Al-Dusari presented a working paper entitled, "Mediation: between reality and hope".

Mr. Khalid Al-Nimri, the Head of the office for prison supervision and execution of sentences at the Public Prosecution, presented types of alternative sanctions during the first session.

Ms. Budur Al-Rajhi, Director of the Correctional Center for Girls, reviewed a working paper on modifying the aggressive behavior of juvenile offenders.

The second session, entitled, 'Alternative Sanctions: visions and aspirations', was chaired by Dr. Mish`al bin Awwad Al-Salmi, the academic staff member at the College of Judicial Studies and Regulations. Dr. Isa Rawas, the former Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah and a member of the Charitable Society in Makkah, presented a working paper in this session on the types of alternative sanctions and possible ways of implementing them. Dr. Haifa' Fida, Manager of the Yosr Center at Umm Al-Qura University, also spoke about activating the role of social institutions in the implementation of alternative sanctions.

Furthermore, Dr. Yahya Zamzami, Secretary General of the Makkah Neighborhood Centers Association, spoke about the role of neighborhood centers in activating the alternative sanctions "opportunities". Major General Fahd Al-Asimi, Director of Police in the Holy City of Makkah, concluded the discussion by elaborating on the amnesty and release system.