Muscat – The Fak Kurbah initiative organised by Omani Lawyers’ Association has launched its 2023 campaign to help raise funds to secure the release of individuals jailed in Oman for non-criminal offences.

Launched on Friday, this year the initiative will continue till mid-April.

In 2022, the number of insolvent persons set free from jail by Fak Kurbah was 1,035, compared to 749 in 2021.

Sayyid Muhammad bin Hamoud al Busaidi, Vice-President of Supreme Judicial Council, said, “We are launching the tenth edition of Fak Kurbah this year in efforts to help those in distress with the help of the generosity and benevolence of the Omani people.”

Launching this year’s edition of Fak Kurbah, Dr Mohammed al Zadjali, Chairman of Omani Lawyers’ Association, said, “We are keen to develop this initiative and its scope by introducing an online donation platform.”

According to Zadjali, the initiative represents social solidarity and harmony. “The previous editions of Fak Kurbah revealed the significance of cooperation and solidarity in helping those in distress, and those going through hardships and difficulties. The generous people of our society gave them a hand and helped them stand again.”

In order to develop the initiative, and make it easily accessible to donors, a website – https://www.fakkrba.om – has been launched for online donations. Direct bank account transfer continues as an option.

“Over the past years, the initiative has helped 4,969 insolvent individuals who were imprisoned or were about to be imprisoned,” Zadjali added.

Held under the slogan ‘Because we believe everyone deserves a second chance,’ the initiative aims to collect donations to secure the release those who have been imprisoned due to financial, civil, commercial or labour claims.

“Omani Lawyers’ Association looks forward to transforming the humanitarian initiative into a sustainable project that operates throughout the year through its own administrative staff,” Zadjali said, revealing future plans.