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Prisoners at Maafushi Jail go on hunger strike

Eight prisoners at Maafushi jail went on a hunger strike on Sunday in an effort to protest prisoners being held at Dhoonidhoo Prison under the custody of Maldives Police Service instead of being transferred to the custody of Maldives Correctional Service.

Police said the prisoners went on a hunger strike on Sunday, stating that the rights of the prisoners being held at Dhoonidhoo Prison are being violated. However, seven out of the eight protestors resumed eating the following morning, said the police.

Police revealed 58 prisoners who are to be transferred to Corrections' custody are currently being held at Dhoonidhoo Prison. While 50 of these prisoners are to be transferred to serve out their sentences, the remaining 8 detainees are those awaiting remand. However, Corrections is unable to take charge of the prisoners due to lack of space at Maafushi Prison.