Photographer Kate Brooks visits Riyadh’s Care Rehabilitation Center, where the Saudi Arabian government has set up a program to reform terrorists into productive members of society
Head of the Class
At the Care Rehabilitation Center, jihadis are put through a 12-step program that includes psychological counseling, art therapy, sports and lessons in Islam. The attendees consist of returnees from Guantanamo, those who intended to fight jihad in Iraq or are considered to be a threat to the Kingdom's security.
Restoring Faith
Sheikh Ahmed Hamid Jelan from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs leads Koranic studies which include discussions about the interpretation of Islam.
Rehab Director
Sheikh Ahmed Hamid Jelan, a member of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, sits with other staff members.
Super Supper
A typical meal at the facility consists of lamb, rice, stuffed peppers and Pepsi.
Opening a Dialogue
Sheikh Jelan's approach to rehabilitation is to answer questions about al-Qaeda concepts by using the Koran and the message of Islam.
Night Falls
The staff enjoys a breath of fresh, night air.
A Second Chance
Once they are deemed fit to return to society, detainees are tracked by the program and receive a monthly stipend of $700. They are also encouraged to start families of their own, which, it is believed, will diminish their temptation to return to their radical way of life.
Guidance
Psychologist Dr. Alotayan provides counseling to Yousef al-Ramah. One of the main goals of the program is to turn young jihadists away from Osama Bin Laden's radical version of Islam.
Encouraging Thoughts
Dr. Alotayan provide suggestions to help turn detainees into positive role models for other jihadists.
Therapeutic Painting
Yousef al-Ramah and Abdullah Sharif, under the supervision of an art therapist, paint a tree which symbolizes life. The signs reads "Rehabilitation Program."
Chow Time
The men prepare to break their daily fast at Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan.
Making Friends
Detainees learn to create healthy relationships which can act as a supportive safety net during the program.
Group Prayers
In accordance with Muslim practice, the detainees and staff pray a brief salah, a supplication to Allah, five times a day.
Phone Home
The facility provides patients with a telephone that is available 24 hours a day.
Changeroom
Residents sleep in a communal bedroom. Lockers are provided so that each one has a space they can call their own.
