BEIRUT: Organization Hayat al-Insan paid the remaining fines of 13 inmates who have served their sentences in Roumieh prison, it said Tuesday.

"Hayat al-Insan, headed by Talal Makdessi, and under the guidance of Interior Minister Marwan Charbel ... paid the fines of 13 prisoners who have served their sentences,” a statement from the Lebanon-based organization said.

It added that the total value of the fines was around LL24.8 million while the fines individually ranged between LL60,000 and LL2.5 million.

"This is part of Hayat al-Insan Association’s initiative to reach out to prisoners in Lebanon who need someone to stand by them,” the statement quoted Makdessi as saying.

The entrepreneur added that his organization, which was launched nine months ago, has so far helped 142 inmates in prisons nationwide by paying their fines.

He also called on officials to offer rehabilitation programs for prisoners by building factories and voiced support for a proposal to build a sewing factory.

Activists have urged the government to implement better conditions in prisons following several riots that occurred inside the notorious Roumieh Prison, the country’s biggest.

Inmates have called for speedy trials and general amnesty along with better conditions inside their cells.