Saudi Gazette The ideology that backed the purpose of prisons for minor misdemeanors was that the culprits would reflect upon their actions, feel remorseful for their wrongdoings, and while confined in prison, would make a strong conviction to never resort to those ways again. Now the validity of this concept is being challenged because the truth behind prisons is far from this ideal theory. In reality, many young men leave prison with much worse conduct and behavior than before because the prisoners who are committed serious crimes and are void of morals have a devastating influence on those who were sent to jail for simple charges, but still have innate good in them. Prison culture teaches inmates to smoke, use foul language, lie, steal, and be violent and aggressive. By mingling with criminals, these young men who committed minor offenses will turn also into criminals. “Alternative rulings to prison could save many individuals and their families from a downward spiral,” said Khaled Abu Rashed, a legal consultant. “The harm of a prison sentence in some cases far outweighs any benefit. Alternative punishments should be put in place for those who were convicted of minor charges that were not in any way criminal in nature,” he added. Rashed stressed that the alternatives will truly lead to reform of the individuals and these alternatives include community service, cleaning neighborhood mosques and schools, working with charitable organizations to help distribute food and basic necessities to families living in destitution, serving pilgrims, and cleaning Holy sites during Ramadan and the Haj season. Social worker and sociology researcher, Al-Ramdi Al-Anzi, agrees that community work and providing services are better ways of reform and rehabilitation than prison sentences. The judge can decide what type of work the charged individual must do and for how long. Such alternatives will decrease the crime rate in the Kingdom by preventing contact between the youth and prison inmates. “Often, a young man imprisoned for a minor act will return to prison at a later date for a major crime. Studies show that the return rate for released prisoners in some Arab countries is as high as 70% compared to only 30% in the Kingdom. There are better ways to teach the youth that they must not break the law,” said Al-Anzi. Dr. Abdullah Al-Yusuf, a professor of sociology who specializes in criminology, explained that a monetary penalty or mandatory community service will more effectively nip the spread of crime in its bud than imprisonment. The judge's ruling will be appropriate to the age of the individual and the nature of the faulty action. “Such alternatives will ease the financial burden on the Ministry of Social Affairs. The Ministry spends around SR 100,000 on each prisoner per year that covers living expenses, clothes, food, education, health services, visits from a social worker and psychologist, and the salaries of security guards,” said Dr. Abdullah. Alternative punishments for minor offenses can promote personal growth and a sense of responsibility, provide training in life skills, and benefit the society at large. __
