South-Thinadhoo constituency lawmaker Abdulla Ahmed has urged Maldives Police Service and Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) to probe the most recent custodial death.
The deceased has been identified as Hamzath Ahmed, Silver, Gaaf Dhaal atoll Thinadhoo. Maldives Correctional Services have confirmed the convicts identity and his demise.
However, the authority had not disclosed the full details regarding the prisoner's demise.
It has been reported Hamzath Ahmed got a stroke while at jail. He was transported to government run Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for medical treatment but was transferred to ADK Hospital upon family's request.
The inmate's family suspects negligence or slow provision of necessary medical treatment to the inmate's condition had resulted in his demise.
The Thinadhoo local passed away while serving a 25 year jail term. He is survived by a wife and children back at home island.
This would be the second back-to-back demises of convicts while in June 1 another prisoner passed away while serving time in local jail.
The relative increase in number of prisoner deaths since late last year has sparked concern and unrest with several civil and social organizations stepping up to voice them. Meanwhile politicians mainly from the opposition have also expressed their concern regarding prisoner deaths.
The sudden demise of one Abdulla Rasheed - a May-Day protestant - had resulted in a backlash from opposition while Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) is currently probing the case over Correctional Services alleged negligence.
Several convicts in their respective trials have complained to local courts about lack of medical care in jails.
