The regulation on granting clemency for prisoners convicted of minor crimes have been sent to the Attorney General’s Office for approval.
The Ministry of Home affairs said the regulation will be published in the government gazette as soon as the Attorney General approves it. According to an official of the Home Ministry, the regulation is expected to be published within this month.
The official further said that the regulation includes clemency such as decreasing the sentence and changing jail sentences to house arrest.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Maafushi Prison to award certificates to inmates who have completed various courses, Home Minister Azleen Ahmed had stated that by clemency, it does not mean the president will pardon the crimes entirely. He elaborated that this leniency will be granted to inmates’ sans those convicted of major crimes such as murder and assault, based on their obedience and behaviour during their sentences.
Another regulation to grant clemency to convicts of major crimes and a new clemency regulation were established last year.
The category for major and serious crimes include murder, terrorism, child abuse, drug trafficking and rape.
Addressing the inmates, the minister had urged them to adhere to discipline and good behaviour, and not lose hope for leniency and a better future.
Azleen said that 200 to 300 inmates are expected to receive leniency for their sentences this time.
In addition to this regulation, 80 inmates were released under parole last year.
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