The Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has revealed plans to vacate Male' Prison with the aim of transferring prisoners before the start of the second semester.
Speaking at a press conference held by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Mohamed Asif highlighted that relocating inmates from Male' Prison is a top priority due to the prison's close proximity to Dharumavantha School. He said that the prisoners are being transferred to alternative correctional facilities.
Additionally, Asif detailed adjustments made to some units in Maafushi Prison, with ongoing efforts to create additional units within the facility. He also said that additional units are being constructed in another facility to accommodate transferred prisoners from Male' Prison.
Furthermore, Asif shared that the MCS is currently developing a five-year strategic plan. He said that technical advice from the United States Office of Defense Cooperation (USODC) is being sought, with several meetings held with USODC consultants in the past two weeks to gather necessary information. He also expressed completing the strategic plan by January, intending to submit it to relevant institutions for further input.
MCS has also announced the initiation of nationalism revival programmes for prisoners. The programmes have been designed to impart diverse skills to inmates, with the aim of reintegrating them into society.