King of Bahrain Issues Royal Decree Pardoning 457 Prisoners

File photo: Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister in the capital Manama, on May 31, 2022. (Russian Foreign Ministry/AFP)
File photo: Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister in the capital Manama, on May 31, 2022. (Russian Foreign Ministry/AFP)
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King of Bahrain Issues Royal Decree Pardoning 457 Prisoners

File photo: Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister in the capital Manama, on May 31, 2022. (Russian Foreign Ministry/AFP)
File photo: Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister in the capital Manama, on May 31, 2022. (Russian Foreign Ministry/AFP)

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa pardoned 457 prisoners Wednesday night to mark his 25th anniversary as the nation's ruler.
Bahrain news agency said: “The royal pardon reflects HM the King’s dedication to fostering social cohesion and upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law. It also aims to balance legal accountability with the humanitarian and social circumstances of the inmates, providing them with an opportunity to reintegrate into society. This approach aligns with Bahrain’s commitment to human rights and its prominent standing within the region.”
In April, King Hamad pardoned 1,584 prisoners, including prisoners convicted of triggering chaos.



Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
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Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles stressed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Australia, noting that the Kingdom stands as Australia's second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.

In a statement issued by his office, Marles indicated that his visit to the Kingdom and the UAE seeks to enhance collaborative efforts within the G20 and other multilateral institutions and aims to emphasize the unwavering commitment to a rules-based international order.

The statement further emphasized that the Kingdom is a crucial partner for Australia and that the visit presents an opportunity to broaden economic ties and explore avenues for deeper cooperation with regional leaders.

Marles said that this visit underscores Australia's commitment to fortifying economic and diplomatic ties with the Kingdom, recognizing its crucial role as a partner in addressing shared global challenges.

Marles met with Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh on Wednesday.