Maldives Correctional Services (MCS) has stated that precautionary measures have been taken at Maafushi and Himmafushi Prison due to COVID-19 cases. MCS made the statement after the opposition called on the government to transfer jailed former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom to home arrest due to some staff and prison officers at Maafushi Prison testing positive for COVID-19.
MCS's Media Officer said while positive cases have been detected at both prisons, the developments have been announced by the authority, and that safety measures were triggered from that point forth. He assured that measures are already in place and that MSC would continue to take more measures according to the situation.
A statement released by the opposition coalition on Saturday expressed grave concern regarding the situation at Maafushi Prison where its leader is currently serving a five year sentence for money laundering. They called on relevant authorities to release accurate information on the jail's COVID-19 situation, noting that one of the jail officers in charge of President Yameen's affairs is rumored to be among those who tested positive for the virus.
The opposition has been calling to transfer Yameen to home arrest since before Ramadan. He has several medical conditions which could potentially endanger his health if he were to test positive for the virus. He has received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
