Saudi govt expected to free more Pinoy prisoners during Ramadan - report

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine officials in Saudi Arabia expect a number of Filipino workers in prison to be released as part of general amnesty during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Online news site Arab Times (www.arabtimes.com) reported Tuesday that the workers are serving time in Saudi jails for various offenses.

The Philippine consul general in Jeddah, Ezzedin Tago, said the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs had informed him that some more Filipino workers would be pardoned during Ramadan.

"Their cases involved theft, and drug-related and sex-related crimes," he said, but added murder and embezzlement were not covered by the amnesty.

Saudi Arabia pardons hundreds of people, both citizens and expatriate residents, jailed for minor crimes at the advent of the holy month of Ramadan every year.

Tago earlier said the Saudi government in July pardoned 22 Filipino prisoners in Jeddah.

"We appreciate the generous gesture of the Saudi leadership in considering to release more OFWs and for having earlier pardoned 22 Filipinos," he said. - GMANews.TV

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