Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has stated it has not planned to return convicts who were transferred to house arrest due to the high risk of COVID-19 infection back to prison.
MCS made the statement following reports from media outlets that prison officials are planning to transfer the convicts back to prison. MCS said it has not yet made a decision on returning the convicts to prison. However, MCS said it is discussing transferring the convicts back, but have not yet decided on a specific date. As such, all convicts who were transferred to house arrest as part of the COVID-19 measures will be returned to prison once MCS makes the decision.
MCS implemented the measures and restrictions after convicts and prison officials tested positive for COVID-19.
Former President Abdulla Yameen, who is serving five years in prison, was also transferred to house arrest as he is a high-risk prisoner.