Inmates have an emotional reunion with families

Ras Al Khaimah - "I pledge to quit narcotics which got me locked up"

'You are released'. With these unexpected words, the ongoing annual 'GCC Unified Inmates Week' turned into a festival for five inmates of the Correctional and Punitive Establishment, Ras Al Khaimah.
The RAK police did not uncover the 'surprise', proposed by the RAK Police and approved by His Highness Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah even to senior officers, until the end of the first day activities.
"I can't believe it," Sultan Rashid, an inmate convicted in a drug abuse case, said. "I got a jail term of four years for consuming narcotics, and I only spent seven months. However, I have learnt the lesson, and shall never go back to the bad circle."
An overjoyed mother of Rashid said she was mesmerised with the unexpected news. "I cannot believe he is coming home with me now."
Urging all young people to be careful and steer away from bad friends, Rashid's father said the end of the bumpy roads of narcotics is well-known.
Repenting on his drug abuse, Mohammed Zaid, another inmate who spent one of his four-year term, said he wish very much to return home and go for Umrah to get his sins washed out. "It is so kind of the government to run such an event for supporting inmates and getting them rehabilitated in a good way."
Mohammed Saif, another inmate who got the release order is excited to see his nine-month old son for the first time. He was also jailed for drug abuse. "I pledge to quit narcotics which got me locked up."
One of the released inmates was so emotional that he fell to the ground to kiss the feet of his mother with his eyes filled with tears. She helped him stand up, and hugged him in tears as well.
"May Almighty Allah bless our Rulers and Shaikhs for their relentless support and generosity," one of the exultant mothers said while heading out of the prison with her son.
Paying tributes to the kind gesture, Salem Al Nar, Member of Federal National Council, said the prudent leaders did feel the inmate's eagerness to return home. "Those inmates are our brothers, and it is our duty to give them a hand to move forward."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah