Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer has announced that a bill proposing reduced prison sentences for inmates who demonstrate good conduct will be submitted to the People’s Majlis before the end of this year.

Speaking on Mendhuru TV’s Mauloo programme, Zareer said the proposed bill would allow eligible inmates who maintain good behaviour and participate in rehabilitation programmes to receive sentence reductions. Under the proposed arrangement, each day spent in prison would count as two days towards their sentence.

Zareer emphasized that prisoners are also Maldivian citizens and should be given opportunities to reform and reintegrate into society. He noted that many inmates are under the age of 40, highlighting the importance of rehabilitation programmes in helping them rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.

The Commissioner also highlighted the efforts being made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration to improve prison conditions across the country.

According to Zareer, reports received as of October 28 last year indicated that around 80 inmates were being held in dark cells without lighting. He added that estimates from officials at some prisons suggested the number could have been as high as 150.

However, Zareer said conditions have since improved, with inmates who demonstrate good behaviour being given opportunities to stay in air-conditioned facilities. He stated that more than 250 prison barracks have now been equipped with air conditioning, describing this as a significant change from the past, when such facilities were available only to senior government officials.

The Commissioner further stated that no inmate is currently being held in a cell without electricity, lighting or a fan in any prison in the Maldives.

The proposed legislation is intended to encourage good conduct and rehabilitation among inmates, while the ongoing improvements to prison facilities reflect efforts to enhance living conditions and support the reintegration of prisoners into society.