A local parliamentarian has expressed his concerns over the sudden demise of a prisoner on Saturday night.
The 34 year old inmate was doing time for 25 years and passed away due to heart failure.
Ahmed Mahloof, the south-Galolhu constituency lawmaker accused authorities of failing to provide basic medical attention to inmates that results in their untimely deaths. He accused the authorities conspiring to off the prisoners by restricting medication for them.
Mahloof also stressed that the demise of 10 inmates within a span of one year is serious and should be taken into full consideration.
According to reports at least 9 inmates passed away under abrupt circumstances during last year. Deaths of prisoners were recorded during the month of February, July and even in August. A 31 year old inmate passed away from a heart attack, while doing time at Asseyri penitentiary, Kaafu atoll Himmafushi.
Another prisoner who passed away due to severe illness included a May-Day protestant who was jailed for his involvement in the riots on May 1, 2015. Abdulla Rasheed, the May-Day protestant was not diagnosed with any serious ailments at the time of jailing according to his family.
Speaking about the latest deceased inmate, Mahloof asserted that Maldives Correctional Service must take full responsibility over the issue. He also speculated about the now deceased inmate's health complaints that could have not been lodged at the penitentiary office due to probable misconduct.
While 10 inmate deaths have been reported within a year's period, it is unclear if an open probe into the case had been initiated by authorities. So far Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) had not publicized a report on the issue.
In Sunday's tweet Mahloof had attached the statement he released during his incarceration. The document cited mistreatment towards inmates and alleged the authorities of inflicting mental torture on prisoners.
Furthermore he had criticized the Correctional Service for not providing adequate medical attention as well as pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for inmates after doctor consultation. Mahloof had also stated that several inmates have been kept in solitary confinement.
However Maldives Correctional Services had denied these accusations.
