Mohamed Jameel, aged 45, who passed away in Maafushi Prison, was laid to rest early Saturday morning. Following Jameel’s death, authorities requested his family’s permission for a postmortem examination to clarify the circumstances of his death.
Tensions, however, escalated when Jameel’s family refused to cooperate, leading to a dramatic scene at Hulhumalé cemetery where special operations police officers reportedly attempted to disrupt the burial process.
Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan and Police Commissioner Ali Shujau intervened to address the family’s concerns and facilitate the burial according to their wishes. Minister Ihusaan and CP Shujau also joined a large number of people who attended the funeral prayers.
The controversy surrounding Jameel’s passing deepened with the discovery of bruises on his body, fuelling speculation about the role of the Maldives Correctional Service in his death. Despite authorities’ calls for investigations and a postmortem examination, Jameel’s family remained firm in their refusal.
Minister Ihusaan’s insistence on the family’s consent for the postmortem underscored the sensitivity of the situation. However, previous directives from Minister Ihusaan mandated a thorough investigation into Jameel’s death.
Jameel’s body was, however, laid to rest during the early hours of Saturday. The Correctional Service’s account of the events leading to Jameel’s death reveals efforts to revive him after he was found unresponsive in his cell.
On Saturday, authorities dismissed allegations of physical injuries on Jameel’s body while unveiling key insights from their inquiry into his demise. In a press briefing held on Saturday, the police disclosed that Jameel was last recorded entering his cell at approximately 9:30 p.m. Subsequently, between 9:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. the following day, no individuals were documented entering the cell, police said.
Following Jameel’s passing, relevant agencies have instituted revised protocols mandating the performance of postmortem examinations on all individuals who pass away while in custody.
Jameel was placed in custody for the duration of his trial for attempted assault with a sharp weapon. He had also been reportedly undergoing psychological treatment at the time of his death.