A photo has been leaked of Supreme Court Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed’s jail cell.
The photo circulating on social media shows a bucket, and a plastic plate, spoon, and fork on top of a wooden table, with a metal stool and sandals next to a doorway with bars.
Police have not confirmed that the photo is of Chief Justice Saeed’s jail cell.
Justice Saeed’s family has recently claimed that he has been eating rice and broth out of a bucket. His family also said that his jail cell has no fan, and is an ordinary-looking small cell plagued by mosquitoes. They added that Saeed has to sleep on a mattress on a cement platform in pitch darkness, and that he has to use a bucket to wash himself and flush down the toilet.
Saeed’s lawyer Hisaan Hussain has also said that he is being kept in deplorable conditions.
Unconstitutionally detained Cheif Justice of Maldives Uz. Abdulla Sayed is held in a small, hot, foul smelling cell with no fan at Dhoonidhoo Detention Centre. No human being must be subjected to such degrading and inhumane treatment. #MaldivesInCrisis #SupremeCourt
— Hisaan ؟ (@hisaanhussain) February 11, 2018
Chief Justice Saeed was arrested at the Supreme Court after the government declared a state of emergency. This was after the Court ordered the release of political prisoners. His lawyers have said that Saeed was pushed down and dragged away by officers.
Saeed was arrested on allegations of accepting bribes, influencing court rulings, obstruction of justice, and using his position to attempt to overthrow the government. He has denied all the allegations.
