Justice Minister Bassam Talhouni announced on Tuesday that the number of judicial rulings issued as alternatives to custodial sentences has exceeded 14,000 since the start of their implementation.
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Talhouni made the remarks during a discussion titled “A Vision for the Future: Alternatives to Custodial Sentences in Jordan”, organized by the Ministry of Justice in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration, under the EU-funded Access to Justice in Jordan project. The event was attended by the EU Ambassador to Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Schatz.
The minister emphasized that these alternatives reflect the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II to strengthen the foundations of the rule of law and institutional governance. He added that the King’s guidance during his recent visit to the Judicial Council regarding alternative sanctions provides motivation to advance this transformation in criminal justice, balancing community protection, rights preservation, and restorative justice principles.
Talhouni highlighted that alternative sentences are innovative and more effective in achieving justice goals while mitigating the negative effects of traditional punishments. Implementing these alternatives has addressed challenges such as the impact on convicts and their families, maintaining income sources, facilitating social reintegration, and preventing recidivism.
He noted that such measures offer offenders—especially in minor crimes—a real opportunity for self-reform without threatening public order, while reducing prison overcrowding and financial burdens on the state.
The discussion also provided a platform for exchanging experiences and best practices among participants from various sectors, aiming to develop practical recommendations for policies, laws, and practices supporting these alternatives.
Talhouni stressed the importance of digital transformation and technological tools in improving procedures, performance, and the effectiveness of alternative sanctions. He also underscored the need for training and institutional capacity building for officers managing these alternatives.
The event included experts and specialists from the Ministry of Justice, judges from the Judicial Council, partner organizations, and civil society representatives, engaging in open discussions on successes, challenges, and future opportunities in implementing alternative sentences.
