RIYADH: The Prisons Directorate has terminated the services of some prison guards for mistreating inmates, which is the maximum penalty specified in the prisons' disciplinary ordinance, said Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Qahtani, Assistant Directorate General of Prisons for Administrative Development. He said the directorate was planning to employ more women security guards because there was a shortage of female staff. Al-Qahtani said the directorate has no plans to introduce an electronic contact system for the inmates to communicate with their relatives because there are some security concerns. “The directorate has secured telecommunication tools which allow inmates to communicate with their families. For the time being we have no plans to introduce an electronic contact system due to some security reservations. We are considering this option if the need arises.” He said the directorate has worked out rules governing visits to inmates. “We resorted to measures to tighten control because we have seized contraband during the visits. This is the reason for these restrictions (which were introduced) without causing any inconvenience to the inmates.” He said the directorate attaches great importance to alternative sentences and penalties for inmates. The authorities are keen to introduce this system because of its numerous positive advantages. About the alleged delay in resolving cases of some inmates, he said the directorate has nothing to do with judiciary procedures and that the directorate's role is an executive one. He said about 171 prisoners are benefiting from the Human Resources Development Fund. The directorate is contributing to their employment through the fund. He pointed out that the Human Rights Commission has identified some shortcomings at the prisons such as overcrowding. The directorate is working on overcoming these deficiencies.
