TAIF, 9 October 2006 — News that businessmen and wealthy individuals have donated a total of SR2.3 million to free people imprisoned for outstanding debts was revealed at a meeting held by a special committee that cares for the family of prisoners with the mayor of Taif.

The mayor commended the support of generous people and their efforts to help the needy and families of prisoners. The mayor added that generous people were the only sources of help for families after their men end up in prison.

He said that the committee, since its establishment in 1393 AH, had managed to release thousands of prisoners who were in prison because of debt and cases that involved injuries and financial fines. Most of these people are in prison because they could not pay back debts and fines.