Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated the government does not withhold the passports of individuals released under the Clemency Act if they have fulfilled the terms of their release. He made the statement while responding to questions at the Parliament of the Maldives regarding allegations that the ministry has withheld the passports of individuals released under the Clemency Act.
Minister Imran said the home ministry does not withhold the passports of individuals who have fulfilled the terms of their release after they are transferred to house arrest or to their residential islands under the Clemency Act. However, the minister said the passports of individuals who violated the terms of their release and are outside of the prison system have been withheld since they are required to complete their prison sentence. He detailed the ministry has withheld passports of individuals who failed to attend drug rehabilitation sessions or pay debts.
Furthermore, Minister Imran said there are many such individuals who need to complete their prison sentence but that the ministry is working to provide a better alternative to those who have not committed any crime since their release. The minister highlighted that it would be unfair for the ministry to require any individual to complete their sentence after violating the terms of their release, especially if they have been employed and have been providing for their family for years since their release.
As such, he said the ministry has been discussing with the relevant state authorities on finding better alternatives to completing the prison sentences that would minimise any suffering to them or their families.