Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Search
‘No one is ill-treated’
This place is home to all inmates: Lt Aleass
Ajit John
Chief Reporter
The women’s prison in Isa town is presently housing 39 runaways with over 249 having been sent back after completing their prison terms this year, this was revealed by Lieutenant Shamma M Aleass while speaking to the Tribune.
Last year they had 458 runaways who spent anywhere between ten days to a month in jail. She hoped there would be a drop in the number this year.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Search
‘No one is ill-treated’
This place is home to all inmates: Lt Aleass
Ajit John
Chief Reporter
The women’s prison in Isa town is presently housing 39 runaways with over 249 having been sent back after completing their prison terms this year, this was revealed by Lieutenant Shamma M Aleass while speaking to the Tribune.
Last year they had 458 runaways who spent anywhere between ten days to a month in jail. She hoped there would be a drop in the number this year.
With the authorities clamping down on free visa workers in the Kingdom the runaways include nationals from India, Philippines, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Thailand, Indonesia and China.
The lieutenant refuted claims of ill treatment under her watch saying this place was a home for all the inmates. “Yes, we have rules but everyone complies with it and we have never ever had problems. Yes, before their trials they are under psychological pressure but once they come here they are aware of their jail term and like I said many are out in ten days. The maximum time they spend is a month. Like all runaways who are apprehended they will not be able to enter the Kingdom for a period of three years after which they are most welcome.”
Plans were afoot she said to construct a larger facility in the present premises. “The two-storey building will house a saloon, supermarket, a larger productivity workshop and other facilities many of which are not available right now,” she said. When asked as to the possible date for the start of this project she said she had no idea but hoped it would be as soon as possible. When asked if any of the inmates had returned to the facility, she replied in the negative.
Life in the jail was structured around a routine that changed by the day. Sports, needlework and prayer ensured that harmony prevailed. Organisations like Discover Islam, Christian prayer groups visited the prison to talk to inmates belonging to their denominations and provide spiritual guidance. In addition social supervisors present on the staff of the prison also provide assistance to those who may have problem adjusting to their new environs. “We try to show them the error of their ways so that they understand the gravity of the situation and they may not commit the same mistake again.”
With nationals from such diverse cultures present ensuring that everyone understood the rules was important. “Arabic and English are good enough but with the Chinese prisoners we need translators. Usually some of the other prisoners pitch in.
Every inmate is allowed to make phone call of 15 minutes duration once a week. In case of an emergency, inmates were allowed to make a call in the morning. Families are allowed to visit once a week for half an hour. Friends are allowed anytime in the morning.
For the lieutenant the challenge everyday is trying to maintain a certain atmosphere whereby runaways complete their terms without any problems. “I have been here for ten months and it has been a very interesting time. There is much to be done and everyday is a challenge. These people are being punished for their crimes and there is no need to make it tougher than what it is already for them.”
http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp
