Committee decides to send Prison and Parole Bill to parliament without amendment

The National Security Committee has passed to send the Prison and Parole Bill without any amendments to the parliament, after it was returned for reconsideration by the parliament three times by former President Mohamed Waheed.

The committee said in its report supporting their decision to not amend the bill that the bill needs to be ratified and enforced as soon as possible, and that the problems highlighted by the President are not serious enough to prevent its ratification.

The committee acknowledged that the bill contains contradictory clauses, but said that these clauses can be amended after the bill is ratified.

The Prison and Parole Bill was submitted to the parliament by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentary Group Member Rugiyya Mohamed on 20 June, 2010, during the MDP government.

The bill has been passed by the parliament three times and sent to former President Waheed for ratification. Waheed most recently returned the bill to the parliament on 17 September, 2013.

The Prison and Parole Bill permits the use of force by prison officers to ensure that prisoners obey orders. This includes the use of tear gas, pepper spray, riot gear and other items. The bill states that the use of force shall, however, not threaten the lives of prisoners.

This bill also requires the establishment of an institution named Maldives Correctional Service (MCS), which would have a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner appointed by the Civil Service Commission.

The Prison and Parole Bill states that three types of prisons must be established: a custodial prison for persons in custody for investigation, a remand prison for persons arrested under court orders or persons whose trials are about to begin or ongoing, and a general prison for persons sentenced by the courts.

The bill also requires the establishment of a children’s centre.