Debt-laden and imprisoned for financial problems, prison inmates of the Punitive and Correctional Establishments expressed their hope to be able to settle their debts and be released from prison, thus putting an end to their suffering which was caused by unavoidable circumstances that left them with accumulated unpaid debts.
They also expressed optimism about receiving the help of benefactors and philanthropists who leverage this auspicious month to provide financial assistance to insolvent inmates in the Punitive and Correctional Establishments; thus promoting the spirit of solidarity and social cohesion in the State. . They also expressed their appreciation for the efforts exerted by Al Faraj Fund to end the suffering of many inmates and providing care for their families during their sentence; emphasizing that the UAE, government and people, proved to be a country of goodness, benevolence, solidarity, and social cohesion.
Regardless of the reasons behind their financial problems, and their circumstances, inmates remain hopeful that they will receive help from benefactors through the Al Faraj Fund, which helps all Punitive and Correctional Establishments’ inmates without discrimination.
Some prison inmates tell their stories and the circumstances that led to their imprisonment. (A.Kh.M) said that he was sentenced to imprisonment for 1 year, and required to settle an outstanding debt of Dhs 250 thousand he owed to the bank. He explained that he was laid off from his job before settling the loan he had obtained to buy the house, where his wife lives with their 7 children. “I have been in jail for 8 months now; and I’m deeply worried to remain in prison for being unable to settle my debt,” he said; adding that his eldest son is now the sole supporter of the 7-member family, with a minimal wage.
He lauded the Faraj Fund’s efforts and the benevolence of individuals who seek no praise or reward, out of their firm belief that “Truly the Faithful Are to One Another like Components of a Building—Each Part supports the other”. He noted that he has been in the UAE for more than 35 years, and has never felt like a stranger, stressing that Emiratis are good people that provide help to everyone without exception. “The Faraj Fund reflects their generosity and chivalry,” he concluded.
7 years behind bars
For his part, “Sh.A” who spent 7 years behind bars, said that serving his sentence has not been easy. He explained that he was arrested for stealing Dhs 200 thousand from a car; and whilst his friends and accomplices were released after paying their dues, he had to remain in prison all those years, waiting for financial assistance to be able to return to his country and to his family who’s unaware of his condition. “I have been in the UAE for a long time without any family or relatives; that’s why I have been in jail for so long,” he continued.
“Sh” added that he was in desperate need for the money, and that his bad companions lured and helped him carry out this robbery. He emphasized that he deserves this punishment for his wrongful actions, yet he expressed his hope to receive help from the Faraj Fund. “I have learnt my lesson at my own expense, and now I value the freedom that I lost for keeping bad company,” he concluded.
Hoping to return to his family
Inmate (A. J.) expressed his hope to be released from prison and to return to his family. “I have been working hard to provide a decent life for my family, whom I refused to see ever since I got arrested for failing to settle