Prison and Parole Bill, returned for reconsideration, passed

The parliament has passed the Prison and Parole Bill with amendments, after it was returned by the president without ratification for reconsideration by the parliament.

The bill, returned by the president in May 2013 to the parliament, was passed unanimously by the 39 MPs who participated in the vote today, with three abstentions.

Presenting the bill to the parliament, Chairman of the National Security Committee Reeko Moosa Manik said that President Waheed had highlighted 28 issues when returning the bill to the parliament, and that amendments have been made in relation to most of those issues.

He said that thorough research was done and practices in several foreign countries were considered when compiling the bill, and assured that thus, the bill should not have any problems.

He said that the Prison and Parole Bill provides full protection to prisoners, and ensures the establishment of facilities required by prisoners.

This bill also requires the establishment of an institution named Maldives Correctional Service, which would be responsible for conducting training programs for prisoners, and ensuring safety and protection to prisoners.