Abu Dhabi: Around Dh6 million in debt belonging to more than 60 prisoners and 13 families has been paid off by the Al Faraj Relief Fund during the current holy month of Ramadan.
The Fund aims to ensure the prisoners, including four Emiratis, are eligible for release before the beginning of Eid Al Fitr in an attempt to give them a smooth release back into their communities.
“Seven amounts in blood money were paid off, in addition to aeroplane tickets, civil debts and a variety of other aids,” said Colonel Salem Mohammad Rashid Bin Kasheem Al Shamsi, vice-chairman of Al Faraj Fund.
“Meanwhile, 13 families including nine of Emirati nationality benefited from coupons which allow them to make purchases from trading stores during the holy month,” he added.
“Such initiatives help uplift the spirits of prisoners and leave a positive imprint behind that reminds of the goodness of the UAE society,” he added. “In addition, just because the breadwinner of a family committed an offence, this does not mean that the entire family must be shunned. On the contrary, it must be maintained and cared for just like any other,” he added.
The Fund has been providing financial aid to detainees and their families who fit the criteria of assistance all year round. Those imprisoned must have completed their full sentence and may be facing difficulties leaving the correctional institutions because of the remaining financial responsibilities on them, which the Fund aims to reduce.
Institutions, businesspeople and others have all been invited to support the Fund in helping those remaining in prison for their outstanding loans to help them reintegrate into society and reunite with their families.
