Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Scores of prisoners have walked free across the Kingdom during Ramadan.

The holy month has special significance to prisoners as it gives them hope for release. Apart from the royal pardon granted by Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Saudi individuals in general and businessmen in particular extend help in securing the release of prisoners of personal rights in Kingdom.

Tarham, a committee to take care of prisoners and their families, has been playing crucial role in rescuing debt-ridden prisoners.

Recently Tarham held its annual reception under the auspices of Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. The event was attended by Jeddah Governor Prince Mishal Bin Majed, Brig. Majid Bin Bandar Duweish, director of prisons in Makkah province, several senior officials of the prisons department, and prominent members of the city's business community.

Saleh Al-Turki, president of Tarham's Jeddah chapter, announced that it was able to collect SR6 million in a donation campaign. He also said the amount would be used to secure the release of more than 100 people imprisoned in Jeddah and Qunfudah, Al-Laith and other jails.

Hailing the efforts of Prince Khaled, Al-Turki said the month of Ramadan has brought cheers to the families of the inmates. He also highlighted humanitarian efforts of prison officials in identifying eligible inmates.

In Makkah, Madinah, Abha, Najran, Jazan, Jouf, Eastern Province, Riyadh and other regions of the Kingdom witnessed similar receptions at end of a donation collection campaign where generous Saudi individuals contributed large amounts of money.

Abha and Jouf regions collected millions of riyals within hours of the campaign. The total amount and number of prisoners who have been released all over the Kingdom is not ascertained yet, according to officials.

Tarham, or Relief, settles the obligations of people who have been jailed because of financial liabilities or have finished their sentences but cannot afford to pay fines. It also provides legal aid to inmates whether citizens or expatriates irrespective of nature of their crime. Tarham also offers assistance to the families of inmates to meet their basic needs such as utility bills.

Tarham, with the support of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, provides relief to inmates and their families with donations from individuals and institutions. Before providing support, a committee studies the case of each inmate, who has to meet certain criteria to receive the assistance.