Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Mohamed Fulhu has stated that more prisoners are being released after undergoing rehabilitation.
Commissioner Mohamed Fulhu highlighted the accomplishments made by the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) in the past four years and said that prison conditions have been improved and prisoners have been provided more opportunities to be rehabilitated.
The government amended the Parole Act to allow the release of deserving long-term prisoners on the promise of good behaviour before the expiry of a sentence, in accordance with the wishes of the families of prisoners. A total of 223 prisoners were released on parole in the past four years. Commissioner Mohamed Fulhu said prisoners are informed of the time and date on which they are eligible for parole and MCS prioritises providing opportunities for the prisoner to be approved for parole.
Furthermore, Commissioner Mohamed Fulhu said the highest priority has been given to improving the health services at prisons, noting that a medical centre has been established in Maafushi Prison. He also said MCS is working with Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) to allow prisoners to visit specialist doctors. Additionally, a teleconsultation service has been established for the first time in Maafushi Prison.
A total of 32 prisoners have been released after completing the drug rehabilitation programme. MCS has been implementing the Mandela Rules to reform prisons.