UAE’s Sharjah ruler pardons 170 prisoners in GCC Inmates Week

A total of 170 inmates were pardoned by His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah as part of the GCC inmate's week which concluded yesterday.

Brig. Saif Al Zari, Sharjah Police chief, hailed the initiative of the ruler and his efforts to ensure stability of families in the emirate.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, a top official at Sharjah Reformatory and Punitive Establishments of Sharjah Police department, said that the 170 inmates were selected based on the nature of the felony, or crime that they had committed as well as their good conduct and length of jail term.

Inmates serving a short term or have committed financial misdemeanors, including bounced cheques or failing to meet a payment, debts or have shown good conduct will be listed in the pardon list.

The pardon was provided to inmates of various nationalities and emirates to begin a new life with their families and be integrated in the society to contribute towards development of society and country.

The official pointed out that the ministry of interior is making great efforts in coordinating with police departments in the country to rehabilitate and reform the inmates to become good citizens and include them into society to ensure family stability.

Khawala, M, an Arab wife of an inmate, expressed her happiness with news of her husband pardoned and hailed the ruler's initiative and also efforts by Sharjah police in supporting the inmates and helping them to re-unite with their families.

She said her husband was involved in financial cases such as bounced cheques and sentenced for six months in jail. He was released for his good conduct and will finally be re-united with his children and start a new life, she added.

"I have also found a job as a teacher in school and I will support my husband to begin a new debt-free life."

By Afkar Abdullah