President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced plans of his administration to develop a new prison to solve the lack of space in current detention facilities.
In the presidential address given at the parliament today, President Solih highlighted efforts of the administration to improve the condition of prisons, adding social unity and peace have been affected by the lack of a proper rehabilitation program and lack of space in prisons. He said a new yard has been annexed in Maafushi prison to allow physical exercising, while family meeting times have been increased to two hours, and spouse meetings to 24 hours.
In his address, the president called the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to remain steadfast in their constitutional duty to protect the national sovereignty, maintain peace, and ensure the safety of the people. He urged MNDF to ensure a trusted force that functions independently while refraining from political involvement and influence.
President Solih further remarked the combined selfless efforts of the defence force, police and the citizens to protect the lives of people and property in the deadly fire incident in Male' the last year as resolute and admirable example of social unity. Additionally, the president called on the police to provide services in harmony with constitutional conventions, in consideration of fundamental human rights and within the law. He added a Police Service Bill has been submitted to the parliament to re-establish the role of Maldives Police Service within the law.
The president also announced plans to expand neighbourhood police services to more atolls as part of continuing to provide citizen-centric services acknowledging there still is a long way to go in earning the public's trust and creating a positive outlook about the police force in hearts of the people.