MAKKAH, 14 September 2007 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah announced a Ramadan pardon to release a number of prisoners in jails located in different cities across the Kingdom.
In Makkah, 65 prisoners, who were jailed for petty crimes, met the conditions of the pardon. Maj. Gen. Atiah ibn Othman Al-Zahrani, chief of Makkah prison, yesterday bid the released prisoners farewell, wished them a rewarding Ramadan and encouraged them to be upright members of society.
Arab News met a number of released prisoners. Naif Hassan spent two years in prison on a charge relating to the possession of drugs, in which time he memorized the Holy Qur’an. “I was informed that I was to be released only a few hours before the actual release,” said Hassan. “I couldn’t believe the news at first. It was only when I shook the hands of the chief of prison that I felt I was being released. I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude,” he said.
Yassir Ghazi’s eyes brimmed with tears of joy after learning he was to be released. “It’s a gift that I’ll be spending Ramadan with my family. King Abdullah’s pardon is reflective of his compassion,” said Ghazi, who was sentenced to three years for disobeying his parents.
When Ali Al-Ghamdi heard about the amnesty, he offered a prayer to Allah asking to be among those released. A few hours later, a prison officer informed him that he is to be released. “I was awash in joy and thanked Allah for accepting my prayers,” said Al-Ghamdi. “The amnesty has opened a new horizon for released prisoners, who will be able to start afresh,” said Al-Zahrani. He added that the 56 prisoners are part of a first group that has been released. More prisoners will be released throughout the entire month as part of the amnesty.
Charities also provided the released prisoners and their families with groceries, clothes, books and toys for Ramadan.
