Infamous Saudi Arabian prison provides haven for terrorists

The Washington Post reported on Sunday that members of terrorist groups ISIS or Al Qaeda are receiving "special treatment" at Saudi Arabian prisons, which is hardly comparable that for ordinary inmates. When the international human rights organization "Human Rights Watch" criticized Saudi Arabian prison facilities, the Saudi authority disclosed facilities dedicated exclusively for terrorists to foreign correspondents.

A Washington Post reporter, who visited the al-Hair high-security prison about 8 kilometers from the Saudi capital Riyadh, commented that were it not for machine guns and surveillance towers, it looked just like a hotel. The floor beyond heavy steel doors was seen covered with red carpets, and prison cells positioned on both sides were equipped with a queen size bed, a refrigerator, a TV and a shower booth each. Inmates can freely use a fitness center and a swimming pool, and read newspapers and books.

Generous welfare programs provided to inmates are beyond belief. Families of inmates are paid monthly living subsidies, rent, and school tuitions. When a family member of an inmate, including a foreign national, visits to see the inmate, the authority provides an air ticket and costs for hotel stay. A married inmate can spend up to five hours with his wife at a hotel-grade suite room within the prison for at least once a month. When an inmate’s close relative gets married, the inmate is allowed sleep-out for up to two days, and is paid up to 2,600 U.S. dollars as monetary gift for the relative. On the reason Saudi Arabia provides special treatment to inmates, the Saudi authority said that the purpose of imprisonment is not to isolate inmates from society but to educate them to opt for a new life.