‘Inmates to be engaged in art, culture activities’

AMMAN — Inmates at correctional and rehabilitation centres around Jordan will be offered more cultural programmes and activities under a memorandum of understanding signed Saturday.

Prisoners will receive cultural books and magazines, participate in art workshops, and perform plays that enhance positive attitudes, Culture Minister Lana Mamkegh said at the signing of the memo with the Public Security Department (PSD).

In addition, Mamkegh said inmates will be given the opportunity to market their artwork by holding special exhibitions, according to a PSD statement.

The minister said the memo is part of the ministry’s work to support Jordanians culturally and intellectually wherever they are, noting that rehabilitation centres are part of society, according to the statement.

She added that the memorandum highlights the joint efforts between the ministry and the PSD to spread awareness, invest in creative energies and fight extremist ideologies.

PSD Director Maj. Gen. Atef Saudi praised the ministry’s support, which aims at enhancing joint cooperation in accordance with the department’s strategies to rehabilitate inmates.

Saudi also thanked all public and private institutions that work with the PSD in a way that positively reflects on prisoners and integrates them into society.