Businessman offers key to freedom
manama — The philanthropic actions of Firoze Merchant, a leading businessman in Bahrain, will provide freedom to thousands of poor workers who languish behind bars.
He has pledged an annual sum of BD120,000, to obtain the release of those have minor fines but are unable to afford the payment. The aid will not be provided to anyone whose criminal offence is of a serious nature.
Firoze is the founder and chairman of Pure Gold Group and through a similar initiative in the UAE, was able to secure the release of 5,500 prisoners as of year-end 2016. It is his intention to extend the same assistance in Bahrain. The move falls within the Pure Gold Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Firoze confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the authorities concerned including Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments; and Ministry of Interior. His comments came at a press conference to announce the initiative. “Each month BD10,000 will be allocated towards the purpose of paying of fines and securing the release of the prisoners. In addition, help may also be provided to financially help the released individuals along with arrangement for air ticket to allow for travel to their respective home country,” Firoze explained.
The philanthropist added that he had a meeting with Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa to discuss the release of prisoners serving sentences in Bahrain’s jails.
Pure Gold Group, a business valued at $440 million across the GCC including Bahrain is pledging an amount of BD10,000 monthly. This totals to BD120,000 annually and will be utilised to fund and pay the fines as required.