President to Commute Sentences for Rehabilitated Prisoners

In a significant step towards enhancing prisoner rehabilitation, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced a new initiative to grant sentence commutations and potential pardons to inmates who successfully complete designated rehabilitation programs and demonstrate consistent positive performance. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to reform the criminal justice system by focusing on reintegration and reducing recidivism.

The decision, presented by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, was discussed during a Cabinet meeting on December 1, 2024. The framework aims to offer inmates opportunities to engage in various activities both within and beyond prison walls, fostering skills that will prepare them for life as law-abiding citizens upon release.

Prisoners adhering to the guidelines set by the Ministry and the Maldives Correctional Service will be eligible for sentence reductions or pardons, creating an incentive for active participation in rehabilitation. A key component of this reform is expanding employment opportunities, both inside prison facilities and in the broader workforce. Additionally, community service programs will be enhanced, allowing prisoners to contribute positively to society during their sentences.

President Muizzu has directed relevant government agencies to expedite the implementation of this system, with a structured timeline for its rollout. This initiative reflects the Maldives’ commitment to a more rehabilitative and restorative justice system, offering prisoners a pathway to reformation while benefiting society at large.