Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has ordered the payment of SR1.39 billion in emergency assistance to poor families in the Kingdom.

“Families subscribed to the social insurance scheme will benefit from the royal gesture,” said an official statement.

“The financial aid is aimed at helping poor Saudi families meet their emergency requirements during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr,” said Social Affairs Minister Yousuf Al-Othaimeen, while praising the king’s humanitarian gesture.

The minister underscored King Abdullah’s generous support to the social insurance scheme that cares for the elderly, patients, widows, divorcees, orphans, prisoners’ families and those abandoned by their families.

“We will take immediate action to distribute financial aid among deserving individuals and families,” said Al-Othaimeen, adding that this amount is in addition to what the families receive every month from the social insurance scheme.

“The beneficiaries need not visit our offices to receive emergency assistance. It will be deposited in their accounts right away,” he said.

In another development, King Abdullah has instructed the establishment of specialized execution courts in various cities as part of judicial reforms.

“The king’s directive supports the special court system,” said Justice Minister Mohammed Al-Eissa, adding that the move would ensure the speedy deliverance of justice.

Meanwhile, 1,017 prisoners have been released from Jeddah jails until Thursday as a result of a royal amnesty issued by King Abdullah on the occasion of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. “More prisoners who qualify for the pardon will be released before the end of Ramadan,” said an official.

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