Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has established three rooms in Male' Prison to allow inmates and detainees to take part in online trials. The courtrooms were inaugurated by Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Mohamed Fulhu at a ceremony held at Male' Prison.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Mohamed Fulhu said the three courtrooms established in Male' Prison are a major step forward in the work of MCS. He noted that a large number of people must always be detained in the custody of MCS until the end of their trials, noting 298 people had to be detained on February 13.
He said that 80 of these cases involved magistrates in atolls, adding the transfer of people from one place to another is costly and time-consuming. He added the new courtrooms would greatly ease the work of the MCS.
During the ceremony, Director and Deputy Commissioner of Prisons Mohamed Thalal said that no separate space was designated to participate in the trial online in the past, and meeting rooms, lawyers, and family visiting rooms were utilised for trials. Thalal said 131 people have been detained in Male' Prison until a verdict is reached, noting most of the complaints of inmates and detainees are that the trials get prolonged.
He also said the new courtrooms will save time and solve such issues.