JEDDAH: Maj. Gen. Sabah Al-Zamhari, director of prisons in Madinah, has said that social workers in his administration are using programs, courses and lectures for employees and inmates to stress the importance of intellectual security and keep the danger of deviant thoughts away.

Efforts are also on to underscore the importance of moderation, unity and solidarity of the country and people in addition to obeying the rulers.

He confirmed that his administration had not detected any intellectual deviation in the prisons of the region. “If such cases were identified, our specialists would immediately address them,” he was quoted as saying in a local publication.

“Work is underway to help inmates according to specific standards to identify the programs best suited to them,” he said. “The aim is behavior modification so that they become active and valuable members of their communities.”

He said that the concept of intellectual and moral guidance is intended to maintain and protect the thoughts of those targeted by programs against deviant ideas and to show the threats and risks of extremist thoughts on the individual and society.

He added that a partnership would soon be signed between the prisons in Madinah and the Madinah Research and Studies Center to implement a number of cultural exhibitions and outreach programs, including a gallery on the biography of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the history of Madinah.

“The center will also provide expertise and consultants in the area of awareness programs and for directing employees and inmates through holding training and development courses,” he said.

He said the center would also assist inmates who wanted to marry and would offer them money and in-kind assistance once they have been released from prison.