Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has announced that days worked under the rehabilitation programme will now count towards reducing the sentences of inmates. The announcement was made during the inauguration of "Dhivehi Sagaafee Goathi," a cultural initiative established by the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) at Maafushi Prison in Kaafu Atoll.
During the ceremony, Minister Ihusaan underscored the significance of integrating national identity and culture into the rehabilitation process for prisoners. He highlighted following the directive of President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu, inmates will receive training in cultural activities conducted at Maafushi Prison, with a portion of the income generated from this work being shared with the inmates.
Minister Ihusaan also emphasised inmates are being trained in various trades as part of their rehabilitation. Importantly, each day spent working in these fields will be deducted from their overall sentence. He added relevant laws and regulations would be amended accordingly, with the changes communicated to all inmates in due course.
Furthermore, the Minister reiterated President Dr. Muizzu's vision all inmates should have the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and earn income during their imprisonment. He stated the current administration does not aim to keep individuals incarcerated for extended periods and that existing protocols and rehabilitation programmes will be revised to align with this vision.