By Badea Abu Al-Naja

Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The General Directorate of Prisons released a number of inmates as part of the forgiveness program as ordered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

General Directorate of Prisons official spokesman Col. Ayoub Bin Nuhait said the order was then supervised by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior.

“The released prisoners and their family members were ecstatic by the King’s decision. Many cried and praised God for his mercy and also thanked the King and the Crown Prince for their gracious initiative. The directorate bid its farewell to the prisoners by giving them roses and gifts and wishing them a productive future,” said Col. Bin Nuhait.

He added the King issues a royal decree to release some of the prisoners every year as part of its humanitarian initiative during the holy month of Ramadan.

“The initiative also serves as an incentive to other prisoners to work hard in order to be released in the coming years. It also gives hope to the released prisoners and empowers them to be productive members of society,” said Bin Nuhait.

He also said the directorate has trained prisoners and equipped them with skills needed in the job market.

“They were trained on heavy loading, mobile repair, computer skills, electricity and other fields. The directorate has also contacted companies from the private sector to provide jobs for the released prisoners. There have been a total of 2,074 released prisoners since the beginning of Ramadan and the directorate is still working on releasing more,” said Bin Nuhait.