JEDDAH, 8 November 2005 — The Eid holidays could be a lonely time for those behind bars and their families, but Saudi Arabia’s Department of Prisons is making every effort to reflect the tenets of Islam in its care of prisoners this year.
Families and relatives were allowed to visit their incarcerated loved ones. Expatriate prisoners were also allowed visits from friends, and all were treated to sweets and flowers.
“We consider all inmates in prisons as our guests, and we will provide them with all the assistance and care we can in order to help them become useful citizens of society,” said Brig. Ahmed Al-Zahrani, director of the Prison Department in Jeddah.
He said rehabilitation was the prime focus of the prison system.
“We hope that once they complete their jail terms they will return to society as good citizens in order to contribute positively to its overall progress,” Al-Zahrani said.
The department allowed relatives and friends to meet the prisoners over the three days of Eid. Some cultural programs also were arranged inside the prisons as part of Eid festivities.
“My son was jailed for making a bad mistake,” said Abu Abdullah, who visited on the first day of Eid. “Those who make mistakes deserve punishment.”
The compassion demonstrated by the Department of Prisons surprised some prisoners who expect less than hospitality.
“The reception of visitors was excellent,” said an expatriate who was allowed to visit a friend at the main Briman Prison in Jeddah. “I’m happy to be in a country where even prisoners receive good care and treatment.”
Al-Zahrani said it was the right thing to do. “Our Islamic religion instructs us to bring happiness to all people during Eid, and the prisoners are badly in need of such gestures,” he added.
“We in the Kingdom give utmost importance to such events in order to give those behind bars a reminder that they are valued members of society.”
Brig. Al-Zahrani said thousands of prisoners held for petty crimes were released during Ramadan, irrespective of their faith and nationalities.
He urged prisoners who have been given amnesty not to engage in any criminal activity and to play a positive role in society. Expatriate prisoners were allowed to remain in the Kingdom after their release unless there was a special order to deport them.
Al-Zahrani said the department has allocated Sundays and Thursdays for women visitors and Tuesdays and Fridays for male visitors. The visiting hours are from 3 to 5 p.m.
