The opening of the medical clinic project in Rashaya al-Wadi Prison funded by the Australian Embassy

19/5/2017

(Translation of this article appears in Arabic section)

Beirut - M. E. TIMES Int'l: Khiam Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture (KRC) has opened a medical clinic project in Rashaya al-Wadi Prison funded by the Australian Embassy in Beirut under the Direct Aid project.

The ceremony was attended by Colonel Antoine Aoun, representing the Internal Security Forces General Director Imad Osman, Australian Ambassador Glenn Miles, and KRC Secretary-General Mohammed Safa.

Mr Safa gave a speech in which he thanked the Australian Embassy in Beirut, Mr Miles and the Australian Government for the Direct Aid project. The funds are to be used for a medical clinic and electrical equipment.

“In short, the problem of prisons in Lebanon goes beyond everything that is said about it,” he said. “The main problem is the absence of a governmental plan and a civilised modern project to transfer prisons from the traditional concept of a penal institution to a rehabilitation, cultural and vocational institution. Most prisons in the world are schools that graduate artists, painters and professionals.”

Mr Miles praised KRC’s efforts to assist detainees and alleviate their distress. He noted this would “help rehabilitate and integrate prisoners into society upon their release.”

He said the embassy had funded a similar project in Jib Jenin Prison last year and was pleased to do the same this year in Rashaya al-Wadi Prison .

“The embassy is proud to co-operate with Khiam Center for Torture Victims Rehabilitation to improve the lives of detainees,” Mr Miles said. “We hope our modest contribution today will help improve the detainees’ quality of life.”