The suspension of an officer of the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) over the case implicating him in releasing a group of inmates from Maafushi Prison, has been lifted.

The officer was suspended for 21 days for releasing inmates without legal authority. However, he had since resumed work at Malé prison. His initial job was at the head office of the service.

While the government declares drug trafficking as a criminal offense that may not be pardoned, some of the released inmates include those who have been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

MCS Disciplinary Board had initially decided to demote the officer along with the Head of the Offender Management Department, Mohamed Tholal. Commissioner of Prisons Abdulla Munaz had called on authorities to review the case.

Commissioner Munaz earlier revealed that the released inmates were sent back to prison upon receiving reports of their release.

Investigations into the case are still ongoing.