Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated although the prisons in Maldives can accommodate 1300 inmates, there are over 2000 inmates in prisons.
Addressing a ceremony held to award certificate to parole officers, home minister assured the government will find a permanent solution for the issues raised due to lack of space in prisons.
Noting major efforts were exerted to improve the situation of prisons, minister said such work has not been done in the past 10 years.
Furthermore, home minister said the biggest challenge in improving the situation of prisons is lack of space, mentioning there are over 2,000 inmates in prisons which can only accommodate 1300 inmates at once. The minister reiterated a solution will be sought within next year adding as part of the efforts a prison will be developed in Neykurendhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Moreover, Home Minister Imran Abdulla said it is not a policy of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to keep inmates trapped but rather believe in rehabilitating and releasing them to the society as responsible citizens.
President Solih has pledged to improve the standards of the prisons in Maldives.
The government intends to develop additional prisons to provide better treatment and rehabilitation for prisoners.