Monday, May 15, 2017

Manama: Kuwaitis have donated around $4 million in a matter of hours in a fund-raising campaign to help secure the release of Kuwaiti prisoners convicted for failing to pay their financial dues.

The campaign “Let them spend Ramadan with us” was launched on Kuwait TV on Saturday evening in the presence of the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Information Shaikh Mohammad Al Abdullah Al Mubarak Al Sabah, the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Parliament Affairs Faleh Al Azab and Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Mohammad Al Jabri.

The campaign, organised by Zakat House in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, sought to allow heavily indebted prisoners to go home after a review of their files to make sure they are eligible to the settlement of their debts and subsequently to an early release.

Shaikh Mohammad said the information ministry backed all humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives in Kuwait.

“The campaign this evening, the second of its kind by Zakat House, embodies the humanitarian nature of Kuwait which is known for its pioneering role in responding to emergencies and helping needy people around the globe,” the minister said, quoted by Kuwait News Agency (Kuna).

Shaikh Mohammad lauded the contributions of the private sector and civil society institutions to the fund-raising campaign and other initiatives that have a great impact on the Kuwaiti society.

Al Jabri said the fund-raising campaign aimed to alleviate the financial burdens on citizens.

“The strategy of the endowments ministry aims to involve the civil society in all activities relating to the enhancement of family stability and social cohesion,” he said.

Al Azab said that he looked forward to the success of the campaign to ensure that Kuwaitis detained in debt-related cases are able to spend Ramadan with their families.

Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic lunar-based calendar, is expected to start on May 27.

Physically fit adult Muslims are expected to abstain from food, drink, smoking and sensual pleasure from sunrise until sunset throughout the holy month dedicated to greater acts of piety, charity and compassion.

Outstanding debts have sent several Kuwaiti citizens to prison and barred thousands from leaving the country until a settlement is reached.

Charity societies have regularly sought to offer assistance by raising funds for the needy.

By Habib Toumi Bureau Chief

Gulf News 2017. All rights reserved.