Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Ministry of Labor and Social Development has formed a committee to look into the escape of two inmates from Women Hospitality Home in Jeddah.

Ministry spokesman Khalid Abalkhail said 26 inmates are at the home at the moment, Al-Madina reported.

“The home facilitated the marriage of 25 inmates within the past 18 months and returned 23 inmates to their families. The inmates undergo various programs such a program to prepare them for the married life, a program to teach them how to build their life, religious programs, entertainment programs, health programs, developmental programs and celebratory programs to commemorate their achievements,” said Abalkhail.

Family Protection Organization founding member Samira Al-Ghamdi said the reason why so many inmates are escaping is the poor treatment they receive at the home.

“They treat them like prisoners and take away their phones. They don’t even let them go out. They are not prisoners and should not be treated as such. Not everyone admitted in the home has committed a crime. Some of them are there temporarily until their court cases are resolved,” said Al-Ghamdi.

She added the inmates are pushed to escape or even hurt themselves in such poor conditions.