Prison audit commission yet to inspect facilities

The audits commission established by the home minister ‘to improve the conditions inside prison facilities’ is yet to visit any of them, RaajjeMV has learnt.

The seven-member commission was formed by Minister Imran Abdulla on December 18, and is tasked with completing audit within 75 days- by March 3, 2019.

It comprises of Dr. Abdulla Isneen Ilmee, Ahmed Abdul Kareem, Shahindha Ismail, Ahmed Mohamedfulhu, Zulaikha Dawood, Shadhiya Adam and Aminath Naahin Ahmed.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, commission member Kareem said that they are currently collecting all required documents for the audit and that they will visit prison facilities afterwards to inspect the current conditions of jails.

They are to compile a report on ways to improve these conditions so as to ensure the rights of all convicts.

Carrying out an audit of jails is included in President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s “100-day agenda,” which states that the audit will be carried out in the first 90 days; he assumed office on November 17.

Home minister Imran Abdulla was recently freed after having spent around three years in prison on a terror conviction, and has expressed concern over the deteriorated conditions at prison facilities.

After being appointed as home minister, Imran noted that the current conditions in these facilities are “so bad” that the individuals would require rehabilitation after completing their sentences.

He has asked the commission to expedite audit of prisons, emphasizing that it is of ‘great public concern.'

Around 18 convicts had died during former President Abdulla Yameen’s five-year term, with three having died this year alone.