Minister of State for Home Affairs Ali Nazeer has stated the discord in Maafushi Prison was controlled professionally by the prison officers.
The state minister made the remarks following reports of discord which broke out in Maafushi Prison on April 18. Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) revealed the discord occurred when some inmates exited their cells after prison officers opened the cells to give food. MCS stated two officers and one inmate were injured during the discord.
Speaking in regards to the incident, State Minister Nazeer said the discord was handled professionally by prison officers. He noted the report of the incident and the report from the Use of Force Review Committee indicated MCS acted professionally in controlling the discord. The statement was backed by Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla, who praised prison officers for efficiently calming the situation.
As part of the measures implemented by the administration to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates, detainees and prison officers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has pardoned 105 inmates who were serving prison sentences. The home ministry said considerations were made to the living conditions of the pardoned individuals as well as their criminal background and the threat they pose to society.