Two women allegedly responsible for causing a riot at the women's correctional facility in Makkah had apparently seen a jinn in the corridors of the facility, it was claimed in a report by the embattled Social Affairs Ministry. This dramatic claim was made in the report by the committee that was tasked by the ministry to conduct an investigation into poor living conditions at the facility. The ministry has come under fire for allegedly trying to cover up the problems at the facility by transferring outspoken women inmates to other facilities in the Kingdom. The women inmates had complained of having no access to medical care, no family visits, unhygienic food and physical assaults. Their complaints have been verified by both the National Society for Human Rights and the Bureau for Investigation and Prosecution. The report, which was signed by Dr. Yusuf Al-Othaimeen, Minister of Social Affairs, and prepared by five technical administrations of the ministry, stated that two women, who were involved in allegedly inciting the riot, had seen the jinn in one of the corridors of the home. In turn, six other girls had also been drawn into the whole incident, it was claimed in the report. According to sources, the final report from the Ministry of Social Affairs was referred to Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, Saturday. It contains 14 recommendations and observations presented by the investigating team on how to tackle problems at the home. The final report showed that there was overcrowding at the correctional facility due to ongoing renovation. The report recommended that the facility did not receive any new cases for a period of six months. All new cases should be referred to other similar facilities until the renovation was completed. According to sources, the ministerial report recommended that other homes be set up for women who have completed their terms. The report also called for action to be taken to “force” the guardians of the women to allow them to come home. It was recommended that governor and the Ministry of Justice should intervene in such cases. The report stated that there were 61 women inmates at the facility, with convictions ranging from murder, carrying a weapon, escape, kidnapping, shooting, adultery, becoming pregnant illegitimately and stealing. The report refuted the allegations by some female inmates that they fainted. The report said the facility should employ female cleaners and staff to wash the laundry and cook. In addition, the report said the workforce should be reconsidered. It stressed that there were enough female social workers and supervisors at the home and that some should be transferred elsewhere. It was also claimed that some were unable to control inmates. The report admitted that there was tension between the management of the home and some of the inmates. There was a need for a female doctor to visit the correctional facility every two weeks and for the employment of a specialist female psychologist and a female nurse; and to fully equipping the clinic at the home. The report confirmed “the need for firmness in dealing with some cases”, but that other modern educational methods should replace simple corporal punishment. The investigation committee emphasized the importance for creating suitable places for visits as there was a lack of such places for the female inmates to meet their families. At present, the inmates meet their families during visit times in investigation rooms. The committee did not report any negative observations on clothes or type of food. The committee recommended forming a panel comprising members of the Women's Social Supervision Department in Makkah Region to follow up the situation inside the home until matters stabilize, as well as periodic reports to the ministry.
