JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia yesterday released 200 militants after they completed the mandatory counseling sessions funded and supervised by a center affiliated to the Interior Ministry, a ministry spokesman said.
“The released militants would receive special care in order to achieve social stability,” the spokesman said, adding that the program had helped 20,000 young militants continue their university education.
“This is the 26th batch of militants released by the center. Three months ago we had released 175 militants,” the spokesman said. He did not say how many militants it had set free so far and how many remained in the counseling center.
The militants are released after indicators showed that they have benefited from the program, the spokesman said. The center provides various religious, scientific and vocational programs.
The center conducted two training programs to help militants analyze their problems and take appropriate decisions, he said, adding that it benefited 32 militants.
“The center will receive 200 militants next week to give them necessary counseling and training before setting them free,” he pointed out.
As part of its painstaking efforts to fight terrorism, the Interior Ministry has established the center to wean away militants or Al-Qaida-leaning individuals from deviant ideology and bring them to the social mainstream.
200 militants freed after counseling
