Saudi Arabia on 5 May released 166 repentant militants after they underwent a long-term state-sponsored counselling programme (Munasaha) aimed at reintegrating them into society, said Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman of the Ministry of Interior. The rehabilitation programme and release are designed to encourage the individuals to adopt the moderate path of Islam. A total of 104 former militants were released in Riyadh, Al-Turki said. “A group of 62 members of the deviant group were released in Jeddah after they completed the counselling programme at the Prince Mohammed Bin Naif Centre for Counselling and Care,” said Al-Turki.
The released prisoners would participate in a follow-up programme for emotional rehabilitation and reintegration into society, a statement said. It said the prisoners represent the 31st group of the beneficiaries of the counselling programme run by the Prince Mohammed Bin Naif Centre.
The beneficiaries in Jeddah represent the fifth group. All released members will be monitored by government agencies and members of the counselling committees of the centre. They all will help ex-militants reintegrate into society, get their original jobs or secure new jobs and have business opportunities. The Prince Mohammed Bin Naif Centres have several reform programmes presented by academics in Shari’ah, sociology, psychology, history and sports.