Ras Al Khaimah charity pays debt of woman inmate

Ras Al Khaimah - The initiative has helped release up to 12,000 inmates defaulters since its start in 2009.

Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Charitable Educational Establishment has paid the remaining debts - around Dh1.5 million, of an Emirati woman inmate, identified only as Afra S.
The defaulter prisoner was jailed over uncovered cheques worth Dh2,348,000, according to informed sources at the Faraj 'Relief' Fund.
"The door was opened for collecting donations and have Afra set free." Donations flocked in, and up to Dh848,000 were collected, but there was still a big portion - Dh1,500,000, that needed to be paid, they added. "That was taken care of by Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Charitable Educational Establishment."
A. Abdullah, a relative of Afra, said she was not a criminal or involved in any narcotic abuse lawsuit. "She was just running her own small business, but could not honour her financial obligations," he said.
Afra, who supports seven siblings, suffered a big loss over an unexpected slowdown in her project, he added. "She could not pay the cheques she made out, and finally ended in jail."
Abdullah said Afra will be released soon after full payment of her debts. Children of Khalifa Al Suwaidi were among those who chipped in with big donations."Thani and Obaid each contributed Dh14,000 to Dh15,000 while his third son, 10-year-old Ghanim, donated Dh4,900, and his 12-year-old daughter, Wadeya, donated Dh5,700."
Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the father of generous children, said "we are not living alone, and should assist and support those in need for help."
Mohammed Al Khori, Secretary General of the Faraj Fund, said the pioneering initiative has helped release up to 12,000 inmate defaulters since its inception on June 26, 2009, through Ministerial Decree No. 300/2009, by the Minister of Social Affairs.
The Ministerial Decree No. 305 for the year 2010 released on June 23, 2010, amended its name to "Faraj Fund", he added.
"This big number of inmate defaulters; 12,000, would not have been released without the incessant support of philanthropist and white hands nationwide."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah