Policy on

The Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office has introduced a policy detailing a second chance program for first time offenders of petty crimes.

Speaking at a press conference at the PG Office today, PG Muhthaz Muhsin said that eight factors will be considered in the implementation of this program.

This includes the type and seriousness of the crime, the method and conditions in relation to the execution of the crime, the prescribed penalty for the crime, physical or psychological injuries that resulted from the crime, the degree of injuries, and the rights of the persons who experienced those injuries.

In addition to these factors, a person’s eligibility for this program will also depend on whether he has been given a second chance before, and if so, how well he made used of that opportunity. The crime in question should also not be one which is punishable according to the principles of Islam.

Muhthaz said that eligibility for the program will be decided by a special committee, which will look into every case individually, and make an agreement with the offender.

The second chance will only be offered to offenders who confess to having committed the crime, said Muhthaz.

He added that if the crime resulted in financial losses for the victim, the PG Office will make efforts to ensure compensation.

The purpose of this program, according to the Prosecutor General, is to eliminate the obstructions faced by first time offenders in finding employment. For this purpose, he assured that criminal records will be erased if offenders refrain from criminal activity for a defined period.