Home Minister Ali Ihusaan stated today that he does not believe individuals imprisoned for importing and trafficking drugs into the Maldives will be given the opportunity for parole henceforth.
Under the Prisons and Parole Act, applications for parole can be made in drug cases as well. However, under the new amendment to the Narcotic Drugs Act ratified by this government, individuals who traffic drugs do not have the opportunity to apply for parole.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office today, the minister stated that it is the government's stance that individuals proven guilty of drug trafficking will not be given the opportunity for parole from now on. The minister stated this is because, even if the prison term specified in the parole law has been fulfilled, it is not believed that such an opportunity should be available under the way the narcotics law is structured.
The minister stated that he believes that legal interpretation should be given to the Parole Board.
However, if acted upon in that manner, it would mean enforcing the new amendment of the law on matters that occurred prior to it. That is a matter contrary to general legal principles.
The parole issue escalated after Abdulla Ibrahim (Abucha), whom police suspect to be among the most prominent individuals importing and trafficking drugs into Addu City, was granted parole and freed from prison while serving a sentence for drug trafficking. While that decision has been revoked and he has been taken back to prison, the Parole Board members have also been dismissed.
And the work of the Parole Board has also been temporarily suspended.
According to the parole law, except for three types of drug offenses, individuals imprisoned for other crimes will have the opportunity for parole upon serving one-third of the longest sentence imposed on them.
Serving at least half of the longest sentence imposed is required when the drug involved in an offence is diamorphine exceeding four grams; cannabis, a cannabis mixture or cannabis resin exceeding 14 grams; or any other type of drug exceeding one gram.
A person serving a prison sentence can apply for parole upon fulfilling certain conditions. They are:
- Completing a portion of the sentence: Having spent a specific portion (generally one-third or one-half) of the ongoing prison sentence in jail.
- Good behavior: The prisoner's behavior having improved during the time spent in prison, obeying prison regulations.
- Completing rehabilitation: Having participated in religious, educational, or vocational programs conducted in prison and attempted to reform.
- No danger to society: The board being convinced that releasing him into the community poses no threat to public safety.
- Not being convicted of certain offences: Strict procedures apply when granting parole to individuals convicted of serious offences, such as murder, child sexual abuse and terrorism. In some cases, parole may not be granted.
