Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has announced the establishment of community-based rehabilitation for minor criminals will commence within a month. The minister made this statement during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Security Services.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Ihusaan noted that individuals imprisoned without a permanent solution to the problems within the prisons are often exposed to further criminal activity. To address this, the government has decided to implement community-based rehabilitation for minor offenders. He noted discussions have been held with the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) and island councils, and the rehabilitation work will begin within a month.
Minister Ihusaan also stated the ministry is working on granting amnesty to those who have committed minor crimes through clemency. He highlighted that it is not in the government's best interest to keep foreigners in prisons at the expense of the state if they have not violated the rights of another citizen, and the ministry is seeking a solution for this issue.
Previously, the minister had mentioned that the age of criminal responsibility should be reduced from 15 to 12 years. The government has clarified that this reduction is not intended to punish children but to provide them with the best treatment and support needed.
In line with this, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, following the recommendation of his cabinet of ministers, has announced the administration’s decision to establish a reform and rehabilitation center named the "Long-term Residential Care Facility." This center will provide necessary treatment and correctional programs for children at risk of committing crimes.
The decision was reached after thorough discussions on a proposal presented by Minister Ali Ihusaan at the latest cabinet meeting. The proposal outlines the establishment of a "long-term residential care facility" situated on an uninhabited island, in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act. The envisioned facility aims to offer specialized treatment and unwavering support to children at risk of juvenile delinquency and those experiencing circumstances that may lead to such behavior. The proposal also provides a detailed outline of the recommended facilities and programs to be implemented within the center.