Adnan Al-Shabrawi Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The city's juvenile supervision center has recently locked up a number of adolescents accused of shooting at pedestrians in Makkah. As a result of the shooting, several people sustained injuries. Three persons are still being treated in hospitals. The juveniles have been arrested and referred to Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution. During preliminary questioning the four juveniles in their teens maintained that they were only playing around and did not believe that the gunshots would hurt anyone. The Jeddah Court of Appeal has approved a number of prison sentences for the shooters. Another four juveniles were sentenced to eight months in prison for picking pockets of pilgrims near the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Three other juveniles were sentenced to one year in prison, and 200 lashes for attempted sexual assault on another juvenile, and a youth was sentenced to six-month jail term for car theft. Ali Al-Shahrani, Director of Jeddah juvenile supervision center, said petty crimes and gang wars represent most of the crimes committed by juveniles. He added that the new center expansion has added halls for sports, computers and painting. Sports activities are the backbone of the center's programs, and occupy the majority of the juveniles' time at the center. Imam Mohammad Bin Saud University also effectively participates in providing various programs and activities for the juveniles.
