Dunya discusses concerns over father’s detention with HRCM

Dunya Maumoon, State Minister of Health, has discussed her concerns over father – former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s detention with the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM).

Maumoon – the half-brother of incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom - was detained on charges of bribery and attempted coup within hours a State of Emergency was declared in Maldives on February 5.

Dunya, who also served as Minister of Foreign Affairs for President Yameen’s administration, reported to “Sun” that she met with President of HRCM, Aminath Enas to discuss her father’s detention.

Dunya said she discussed the state of the detention facility Maumoon is being kept in, and the international standard for such detention facilities.

She also said she discussed her concerns over Maumoon’s detention.

“As matters of concern, I discussed his right to family phone calls and the fact that the family is not informed when he is transferred from one facility to the another,” said Dunya.

She said members of the HRCM were conducting regular visits to check up on Maumoon’s welfare.

“The HRCM is also working to protect my father’s rights,” said Dunya.

Maumoon was first taken to Dhoonidhoo Custodial, from where he was transferred to Maafushi Prison, and then back again to Dhoonidhoo Custodial.

In a tweet this Sunday, Dunya appealed to the authorities to respect the rights of everyone detained during the State of Emergency, including her father Maumoon, her brother – Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Supreme Court Judge Ali Hameed.

Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu visited Maumoon, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Judge Ali Hameed as a special envoy of President Yameen last week, to check on their welfare.