HRCM investigates death of Maafushi Prison detainee

Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) states it has initiated an investigation into the death of a detainee, who died in Maafushi Prison two weeks back.

Mohamed Nasheed, 43, Hulhufinifenmaage, M. Muli, had been detained at Maafushi Prison pending the outcome of his trial on drug-related charges.

He died on September 15.

HRCM’s spokesperson confirmed to Sun on Tuesday the commission is investigating the death. However, the spokesperson did not disclose any details.

Nasheed’s family has accused Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) of negligence in the case, alleging that there had been significant delay in medical intervention when his cellmate first alerted prison officers to the fact that Nasheed was having trouble breathing, leading to his death.

However, according to MCS, Nasheed was immediately taken to the prison’s medical center and given CPR when his cellmate alerted the prison officers and told them he wasn’t breathing.

“The doctor pronounced him dead at approximately 05:26 pm when he remained unresponsive after CPR,” said MCS.

The MCS did not say when they were alerted to the situation by Nasheed’s cellmate.

The case also sparked concern from the opposition coalition, which called on HRCM and other relevant state authorities to treat it as an urgent case.