More than 700 indebted persons freed from jails

Muscat: The Fak Kurbah initiative managed to secure the release of more than 700 prisoners during its eighth edition this year.

Over the past seven editions, the initiative succeeded in releasing more than 3,185 prisoners. in its eighth edition, the initiative has released an additional 749 prisoners, bringing the total to 3,934. The total amount of money collected to release  the prisoners was OMR760,342.400.

Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, the chairman of Omani lawyers association, said, “The initiative came this year under exceptional circumstances, coinciding with the economic repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the initiative teams, along with other government initiatives, has been able to release 749 prisoners, bringing the total released cases over the past eight years to 3,934. This is a clear evidence of the solidarity and cooperation in the Omani society.”

“This initiative primarily targets the prisoners, whose circumstances led them into financial claims they have been unable to pay. These cases are thoroughly studied by the lawyers in coordination with the competent courts, to ensure that the initiative reaches those in need,” Al Zadjali added.

“I would also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the teams and charitable societies in all the governorates of the Sultanate, which have taken similar initiatives aimed at relieving the distress of the prisoners,” he added.

Of those released, 226 were in Muscat Governorate, 151 in North Al Batinah, 85 in South Al Batinah and 70 in Al Buraimi. In South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, 56 insolvent persons was released through Fak Kurbah initiative, 48 in North Al Sharqiyah, 39 in Al Dakhiliyah, 23 in Dhofar, 34 persons in Al Dhahirah, eight in Musandam and nine in Al Wusta.

In order to develop the experience of Fak Kurbah initiative, a special website has been established for the initiative, through which people can donate, and see the number of cases that they will help.  Zadjali explained, “This step came in response to the proposals we have received in order to move forward towards the sustainability of this humanitarian project.”