Masha Midhath   24 September 2024 - 07:55 PM
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has urged state institutions to initiate an independent investigation into the recent death of a prisoner, emphasizing the alarming trend of fatalities in custody. The call for action comes following the suicide of Adam Athuhar, who was detained for kidnapping a woman earlier this month.

In a statement, the MDP expressed deep concern regarding the recurring incidents of prisoner deaths and demanded that all relevant agencies take immediate measures to prevent further tragedies. The party highlighted that Athuhar’s death, which occurred while he was in police custody, raises serious questions about the treatment and monitoring of inmates.

The MDP criticized the government for its apparent negligence in ensuring the safety and security of individuals in state custody, asserting that it is the government’s legal responsibility to protect all prisoners. They pointed out the lack of timely intervention regarding Athuhar's behavior leading up to his death.

Additionally, the MDP addressed a separate incident involving the suicide of Abdul Ghani Ismail, 62, at Maafushi jail. This case, alongside Athuhar's, has prompted the party to call for comprehensive reforms in the prison system to ensure the well-being of inmates.

The MDP's statement underscores a growing concern over the mental health conditions of prisoners and the need for systemic changes to prevent future incidents.