105 prisoners have been freed amid Covid-19 concerns.

A statement released by the home ministry said that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the decision, by the powers granted to him under the Clemency Act, as a precautionary measure to protect the health of convicts and prison personnel.

It noted that results of each inmate’s rehabilitation programmes, accommodation arrangements and any possible threats to society were considered in making the decision, as well as the nature of their crimes and related factors.

The statement noted that experts stress that it is “absolutely necessary” to decrease congestion in jails, to ensure health safety of all related personnel.

The ministry further said that the inmates were pardoned as per the counsel and guidelines provided by the United Nations sub-committee on Prevention of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (SPT), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC).

Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) said that 105 inmates were transferred to their homes by Friday, as per the president’s order.

The decision to pardon inmates comes days after the confirmation of a Covid-19 community transmission in the capital. While three separate clusters have been found, the city has been on lockdown since Wednesday.