Maldives Correctional Services (MCS) has decided to allow inmates more time to meet with their lawyers.
According to the newly set lawyer meeting policy, inmates can register 5 lawyers and meetings can be arranged with a maximum of 3 lawyers at a time. The policy also states the inmates must be given a 10 minute phone call in the first 24 hours after being detained, in order for the inmate to arrange a lawyer. MCS must also arrange the registration and lawyer meetings once the application form is submitted to MCS with identification copy and lawyer permit. Lawyer meetings can be arranged every day, except for weekends and public holidays.
According to the revised policy, should a translator be required to communicate with prisoners, MCS must facilitate it once the case is approved by the Director of Prisons.
The administration has been conducting audits to improve the conditions of detention facilities across the country. MCS has also recently lifted the ban on families sending clothes to inmates.