MDP urges state institutions to conduct, publicize independent probe into death of inmate

The main-opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has urged state institutions to conduct and publicize an independent investigation into the death of an inmate.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the opposition party expressed concern over the recurrence of deaths in prisons.

Noting that there is room to believe there was negligence on the part of the relevant government authorities in the death of another person in prison custody, MDP called on state institutions and government agencies to conduct a full independent investigation and publicize the findings.

Further, MDP urged all relevant authorities to take measures to prevent such incidents from recurring, based on their findings.

MDP has highlighted that there has been a surge in deaths in prison complexes at a time a 62-year-old man committed suicide inside his cell in Maafushi Prison on Tuesday.

Further, MDP noted that the incident was reported at the heels of Adam Athuhar’s death in early September. Athuhar killed himself while in police custody after being arrested for taking a woman hostage in the capital city. He was being tried for charges of kidnapping and assault.

The opposition has expressed deep concern and urged a thorough investigation into the case and for measures to be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring.

In addition to this, MDP has stressed that the recurrence of such an incident is a matter of great concern to them as well as the general public.

MDP’s statement goes on to read that they believe there was negligence in properly monitoring the inmate’s activities in the cell and taking timely action, given that another incident of this nature has occurred, despite the government being legally mandated to ensure the safety and security of every person in custody.