Hundreds of Sharjah inmates have Dh32m of debts paid off

Prisoners in the emirate given financial aid as part of rehabilitation efforts

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Hundreds of inmates in Sharjah have been given a chance of a fresh start - after prison authorities wiped out Dh32 million of debts in the space of a year.

Blood money and various debts owed by 332 people serving time were cleared throughout 2018 in readiness for their release.

Colonel Ahmad Shuhail, director general of Sharjah Punitive and Rehabilitation Establishment, said the move has been made as part of efforts to promote "tolerance" in the country.

He said the initiative will ensure those convicted of crimes are given ample opportunity to settle back into society when they have completed their sentences.

“The inmates who benefited from this, include female and male Emiratis and residents who follow different faiths because we are in a country that promotes co-existing and tolerance,” he said.

Prison authorities secured the funds to pay off the debts with the support of partners in the public and private sector.

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