The Annex 1 of the Malé Prison was reopened on Wednesday, after completing the required renovations ordered by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM).

The "unfit for humans" annex was shutdown in April.

The Annex 1 was officially opened by Home Minister Imran Abdulla, who said that this is part of the government’s aim to reform the country’s prison system.

The minister noted that the annex was holding 17 inmates prior to the shutdown, but that it will keep at the most 10 inmates from now.

Furthermore, Imran said that inmates will be allowed outside from 5am until 10pm, a vast difference to how it was previously where the inmates were kept in the cells for 12 hours.

The renovation also brings an exercise area for the inmates.

The home minister also commended those conducting the reform work, including commissioner of prisons, deputy and assistant commissioners as well as all MCS officers.

A plan of the Annex 1, with its regulations, have also been shared with the officers and inmates.

Reforming the prison system is a pledge of the current administration, and an audit of the jails was carried during the president’s first 100 days in office.