publish time

20/01/2020

author name Arab Times

publish time

20/01/2020

Ban on outside phone calls; 4,662 total inmates

Major General Faraj Al-Zoabi, Major General Ali Al-Moayli and other officials in the office

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 19: Correctional facilities in the country are keen on improving humanitarian services for inmates as they have succeeded in developing buildings, establishing new prisons in accordance with the latest global systems, covering the needs of prisoners and providing a family home for married prisoners.

These facilities include winter camps, playgrounds, sports, cultural events, and reformative rehabilitation programs for inmates to become active members of society after serving their jail terms.

Major General Al-Zoabi explains to the media the reality of the prison

Assistant Undersecretary for Correctional Facilities Affairs in the Ministry of Interior Major General Faraj Al-Zoabi introduced a portal between the correctional institutions and the Ministry of Justice which allows direct registration of rulings to be enforced and the release of inmates. This comes after completion of a portal for traffic misdemeanors linked with other cases as release, payment of charges and other procedures appear in computers at the Sentences Enforcement Department.

Al-Zoabi affirmed the provision of all services electronically by the end of this year to save time and effort. In his press interview, Al-Zoabi disclosed: “We are in the process of linking the enforcement of sentences with the Civil Service Commission and insurance bureaus; such that in case an employee is sentenced to jail, his company will be notified and then legal measures will be taken against him.” He explained the family home in correctional facilities currently consists of three apartments, confirming a plan to increase the number of apartments to eight for the families of inmates to spend one day – from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm – with them. He revealed works are underway to permanently block calls from prison and that inmates can use phones inside the jail. He said the total number of inmates reached 4,662; clarifying that correctional facilities are in charge of implementing jail sentences and release orders issued by the court or competent authorities.

Prisoners performing prayers in one of the wards

He added the number of inmates in the general prison totaled 1,096 while those who entered in 2019 reached 4,679 and 4,700 were released; indicating the capacity of the general prison is 900. He said the number of inmates in the Central Prison reached 3,295. Last year, 1,596 inmates entered the prison and 1,486 were released while its capacity is 2,327.

He added the prison consists of a rehabilitation center. He went on to say that the number of inmates in the women’s prison reached 271. Last year, 210 were imprisoned and 204 were released, while the capacity of the facility is 250. Meanwhile, Director General for Prisons and Correctional Facilities Major General Ali Al-Moayli affirmed that correctional institutions provide all services and requirements for inmates with the aim of reforming them; asserting these institutions aim to reform and implement punishment imposed on inmates. “The correctional facilities seek to develop and provide the best services to inmates. These facilities are keen on reforming the inmates, improving their skills and talents, and ensuring they engage in worthwhile activities. Whatever they learn in prison might help them integrate into society,” he concluded.

By Munaif Nayef Al-Seyassah Staff