SHARJAH // Families have shared an evening being reunited with their loved ones who are currently serving time in Sharjah Central Jail.
Eight families were flown in from Ethiopia, Kenya, Indian, Morocco, Sri Lanka and Oman to meet and share dinner with their jailed relatives, while nine other families who live in the country also took part.
The humanitarian initiative was part of this year’s GCC Inmates Week.
On Wednesday, an American student serving three years in prison for murdering his father shared a meal with his uncle and aunt on Wednesday.
“The idea of sitting down with my family is really good. I miss talking to them and I had a chance to catch up on family news,” he said.
An Ethiopian woman flew in with her sister to spend time with her fiance, who has been in jail for seven years.
“I’m happy and overjoyed to be able to hug and hold him,” said the 24-year-old.
Her fiance, 35, said he had completed his three-year sentence but had been locked up for an additional four years because of a pending civil case.
“I hope that my situation gets resolved so I can be reunited with my family and fiance,” he said.
Dr Alexander Balanutsa, head of the Ukrainian Consulate attended the event to check up on a Ukrainian husband and wife who are incarcerated in Sharjah.
“The family came to the country and were arrested at the airport after customs officer found a large amount of kidney medicine with them,” he said.
“They were given medicine to deliver to people here and did not know that this amount was illegal. They are here while their daughter is back home waiting for them.” he said.
The couple’s case has not reached court yet and the consulate is trying to sort out their issue with the authorities, he said.
At another table, an Egyptian inmate played with his wife and 2-year-old child.
“It’s so good to be able to sit down with my family and play with my child,” said the 32-year-old, who is serving a one-year term.
“It’s been a hard time for me and my family. I hope my sentence flies by fast so that I can be reunited with them.”
During the fifth GCC Inmates Week, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, ordered the release of 180 prisoners who had demonstrated good conduct.
A Nigerian mother was happy to see her son, who is in jail for a drugs charge.
“I was flown in from my home country to be able to spend some time with my son. I think this is a great initiative,” she said as she held her 34-year-old son’s hand.
The families were served a meal outdoors and watched a traditional performance.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
