Vice President: Inmates should strive to avoid recidivism after rehab

Vice President Faisal Naseem on Tuesday urged the inmates who completed the drug rehab program in Maafushi Prison to strive to avoid recidivism.

He made the appeal while speaking at the ceremony to mark the closing of the first drug rehab program and a certificate course in electrical wiring for inmates in Maafushi Prison.

The program was conducted by Maldives Correctional Service (MCS).

Speaking at the ceremony, Faisal congratulated the inmates who completed the rehabilitation program and certificate course and called on them to strive hard to avoid recidivism.

He said that the prison system and society should view inmates as people who could better themselves and become productive citizens.

Speaking against discrimination faced by inmates, Faisal called on the community to treat them with respect and integrity and to offer them the opportunity to reintegrate into society as successful members of their families.

He also spoke about the initiatives by the Maldivian administration to combat drug offences.

MCS launched the drug rehabilitation program in February 2022 to provide detoxification and substance abuse treatment, training, and vocational education to drug offenders.

During Tuesday’s ceremony, Faisal presented certificates to the 32 inmates who completed the program.

The ceremony was attended by Home Minister Imran Abdulla, Health Minister Ahmed Naseem, and Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Mohamed Fulhu.