SR34m paid for the release of 1,255 imprisoned defaulters

The National Commission for the Care of Prisoners (Tarahum) in the Eastern Region paid more than SR500,000 to cover debts of 21 prisoners during the holy month of Ramadan. (SPA)

RIYADH: Charity organizations and businessmen have paid SR34 million to secure the release of 1,255 prisoners who failed to pay their debts, local media said. Some 425 prisoners benefited from this humanitarian gesture during the holy month of Ramadan after the payment of SR11 million toward their debts, the media said.
Meanwhile, director of Moral and Thought Guidance at the General Directorate of Prisons (GDP), Colonel Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Dahish, said these gestures come within the social efforts being exerted by the GDP in cooperation with businessmen and charity organizations for the release of prisoners by paying their debts.
However, prisoners seeking release have to meet conditions set by the GDP-formed committee; these conditions include that a prisoner should have stayed in the prison for a certain period of time, and that his release must depend on the payment of his debt.
He said that this step embodies the meaning of solidarity and Islamic brotherhood between the sons of the country. For their part, the benefiting prisoners and their relatives expressed thanks to the leaders of the country and GDP officials for their continued support in forming such committees and carrying out charitable works beneficial to all community members.
In a related development, the National Commission for the Care of Prisoners (Tarahum) in the Eastern Region paid more than SR500,000 to cover debts of 21 prisoners during the holy month of Ramadan.
The board chairman of Tarahum in the Eastern Region, Abdullah Al-Salman, said the Tarahum committee has already finalised a number of issues related to debts of male and female prisoners.
Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majid has also ordered the speedy release of prisoners covered by the royal decree on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.
So far, some 925 prisoners have been released and steps are underway to release the remaining prisoners covered by the royal pardon, local media said.