Minister of Home Affairs Honourable Azleen Ahmed has stated that today’s Maafushi Prison is so much different from the Maafushi Prison 10 years ago and has never seen top government officials participate in a ceremony held in honour of convicts.
The Minister made the statement while speaking as the Chief Guest at Maldives Correctional Service’s “Graduation 2017”; the inmate-graduation ceremony held last night at Maafushi Prison. All graduates had completed various courses conducted by Institute of Correctional Studies (ICOST).
“Tonight we are seeing a historic moment in Maldives and Maafushi Prison where our incarcerated brothers and sisters graduate from normal schools and educational institutions the same way as any of us who never served sentences. Where they successfully pass an important milestone in returning to the society with reformed thinking,” said the Minister.
He also stated that the President H.E. Abdulla Yameen has decided to reduce the sentences of those incarcerated for crimes other than murder and treachery and even though it is not a pardon, the reduced sentences are similar to a pardon. And this incentive is only for inmates with good conduct who genuinely wish to reform and spend their life with their families instead of a prison and also adhere to the instructions of prison officers. The Minister encouraged them to persevere with good conduct with the determination to be diligent about prayers.
The graduation ceremony was held for Certificates 1, 2 & 3 n Qirat, Certificate 1 in Sewing, Certificate 1 in Starting Agriculture and Certificate 1 in House Wiring and Electrician Course. These courses are accredited by Maldives Qualification Authority.
In addition to awarding certificates to the graduates, certificates and medals were also awarded to the inmates who achieved higher distinction in the above-mentioned courses. A total of 186 certificates were awarded at the ceremony, including 63 higher distinction certificates.
