The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed alarm over the recurring deaths of prisoners in state custody, following the suicide of a 62-year-old inmate in Maafushi Prison on Tuesday.
In a press statement, the MDP highlighted concerns about negligence in the management of the prison, which they believe contributed to the man’s death. The party also called for a full investigation into the incident.
“The government has a legal obligation to ensure the safety and security of everyone in state custody. However, there appears to have been negligence in monitoring the prisoner’s movements, leading to this tragic incident,” the MDP’s statement read.
A government official confirmed to local media that the 62-year-old prisoner had committed suicide using a bedsheet and was alone in his cell at the time of his death. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
This follows another recent suicide in custody earlier this month, when 32-year-old Adam Athhar took his own life in Dhoonidhoo Prison. Athhar had been arrested for threatening a woman with a knife, and the police were criticised for allegedly failing to provide him with proper medical attention after he sustained head injuries during his arrest. He used the drawstring from his shorts to commit suicide, according to the investigators.
The MDP has called for an independent investigation into both deaths and urged state institutions to take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Athhar’s death.
Both deaths have sparked concerns over the treatment and safety of individuals in state custody, with opposition figures emphasising the need for better oversight and management in prisons across the Maldives.
