75 Sharjah prisoners pardoned and released

Seventy five inmates from Sharjah who have almost completed their jail terms have been released.

SHARJAH // Seventy-five prisoners have been released as part of Unified GCC Inmates Week.

The annual event, which was officially launched yesterday and will run until December 12, focuses on the challenges faced by inmates' families.

It appeals for the public to lend a helping hand, said Brig Abdullah Mubarak Al Dukhan, deputy director of Sharjah Police.

This year's theme, My Family is in Your Hands, saw officers give gifts to inmates' children and cheques for unspecified amounts to the wives of prisoners with good behaviour.

The 75 freed men were pardoned by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah.

"Those released had their terms close to completion, had shown good behaviour and not committed capital crimes," Brig Al Dukhan said.

Faisal Al Mansouri, one of those released, said he was grateful to Dr Sheikh Sultan for the chance to live freely with his family.

"We promise to honour this humanitarian gesture and be good citizens of this country," he said.

Handicrafts made by prisoners will be sold throughout the week and awareness campaigns will run on radio and television.

Ajman's ruler, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, also pardoned and ordered the release of 34 prisoners.