MAKKAH, 8 March 2007 — The destitute family of a sick man, who was jailed after running up debts of SR100,000, is calling on generous members of the public to help arrange his release from prison.
The man, who has suffered a number of strokes, used to work in the government sector and supported his wife and children, and also his mother and sister after his father died.
According to his family, after his father’s death, the man rented two apartments, one for his mother and sister and another for his own family.
Over time his health deteriorated and he suffered a number of strokes forcing him to miss days from work. Subsequently he was sacked, left without an income and unable to meet expenses. Finally, he began to borrow money and was left with a SR100,000 debt.
After a while, his creditors began asking for their money and then took him to court.
Recently, a court in Makkah ordered he be sent to jail until he is able to pay the money back. Subsequently, the family was evicted from their homes and left on the street.
Finally, a number of generous people in Makkah arranged for some temporary accommodation at a shelter home where the family is now residing.
Arab News met the man’s family to hear about their pain. His elderly mother found it difficult to speak as she was continuously crying and praying that her son be released from prison.
“We don’t have any financial support and he was the only one taking care of me, his sister and his own family,” she said, adding she has hope that a generous person would come forward and help her.
Meanwhile, the man’s distressed wife spoke about her husband’s poor health. “Because of his bad health he was fired. He had to borrow money to keep on supporting us. People were asking for their money back and when he couldn’t afford to pay back he was sent to jail,” she said.
“My husband’s condition may worsen in jail. I just hope he doesn’t die there. That would be really sad,” she added.
