Maldives correctional service on Tuesday announced a decision to limit telephone privileges of prisoners to just local numbers.
Corrections had informed inmates on Sunday that they would no longer be allowed to make international calls after citing the law which clearly states that the authorities are required to offer telephone privileges for prisoners for numbers registered with local telecom operators.
The reason behind the sudden decision however, remains unclear.
Corrections had last year banned families from bringing in any outside items during inmate visits.
Items such as short eats and fast foods were previously allowed for family members for prison visits.
Corrections had said such drastic measures had to be taken due to the recent increase in incidents of family members attempting to smuggle contraband into prison.
The move came after a family member visiting a prisoner had attempted to smuggle drugs hidden inside a cake.
