Okaz/Saudi Gazette TABUK — Eight minors escaped from a social observation home on Thursday. Ministry of Labor and Social Development spokesman Khalid Abalkhail said Labor Minister Mufrij Al-Haqbani has formed an investigative committee to look into the incident. "The escaped minors do not have any other home to go to. They escaped by breaking the top floor window. The police are currently searching for the minors. Five of them were caught and three others are still unaccounted for," said Abalkhail. He also said the escaped minors were put in the observation home for various reasons. "Some of them are involved in drug dealing and others are involved in robbery. The home is located in Al-Aziziyah District on the main road. It is near several stores and the residential area of the district. The building is old and the home will soon be relocated," said Abalkhail. He added inmates of a comprehensive center were moved to the building due to renovation and construction in their building. National Human Rights Society member Dr. Suhailah Zainalabdeen said there have been several incidents of minors escaping from social observation homes all over the Kingdom. "The way these homes treat these minors could be a reason for their escape. If these minors found security and care in the home, they would not escape. They have no other home to go to. Minors are rebellious by nature. They need to find trust and acceptance in the home to feel secure in it," said Zainalabdeen. She added the Ministry of Labor and Social Development should look into the home itself and how it treats residents. "The home may provide all of the facilities needed but the treatment of the staff towards the inmates may be poor. Taking care of minors is a big responsibility given to the ministry. The ministry should use all of its resources to make sure these minors are treated justly and appropriately," said Zainalabdeen.
