Saudi Arabia releases 250 labor offenders over coronavirus outbreak: HRC

Saud Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has released 250 foreign detainees, who were arrested for non-violent immigration and residency offenses, as part of efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Human Rights Commission (HRC) President Awwad Al-Awwad announced on Thursday.

"We commend the decision of the competent authorities in the Kingdom to release more than 250 detainees,” Al-Awwad said in a tweet.

"Releasing them for eventual repatriation will help decrease the threat for inmates of the detention centers without compromising public security in any way," HRC president said in a statement to Reuters.

“The decision confirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protect all persons present on its soil from this pandemic,” Al-Awwad added. — SG