Centre enables inmates to perform Ashura rituals

TDT | Manama                        

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Directorate of Monitoring, Detention, and Correctional Facilities at the Office of the Ombudsman visited Jau Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre to inspect the coordination procedures and arrangements made by the Centre’s administration to enable inmates to perform religious rituals related to Ashura Commemoration, as guaranteed by law and executive regulations.

The Ombudsman’s team collected information by examining arrangements and spaces allocated for Ashura rituals, and meeting the relevant officials from the Centre’s management, and reviewing the recordings of surveillance cameras installed in the buildings.

The team found that the inmates were allowed to practise the rituals of Ashura for this year, a daily programme was set, starting from Wednesday, July 19 corresponding to the first of the month of Muharram, to enable them to collectively perform religious rituals daily.

Inmates also revealed that banners and written slogans are placed and that they are allowed to read the books of supplications and make necessary preparations for chanters and food distribution, while complying with security and safety measures.

While reviewing the surveillance camera recordings located in the center’s buildings, the Ombudsman’s team found that the inmates were allowed to practice religious rituals in a normal and regular manner and that they are able to participate in them according to the regulations in the place.