Suspension of the Commander of Maldives Correctional Service (MCS)’s Emergency Support Group has been lifted.

Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) revealed via a statement that officers are accused of using excessive force during the brawl in Maafushi Prison on 20 June and that Commissioner of Prisons had forwarded to look into the case to the “Use of Force Review Committee” under the guidelines that state when excessive force and weapons may be used.

MCS further revealed that the committee concluded investigations into the case, which revealed that officers had used excessive force to control the issue at Maafushi Prison.

Authorities are required to take action against officers responsible under article 35 of the Prisons and Parole Act.

However, the disciplinary board had lifted his suspension as they couldn’t find a reason to further keep him in suspension.

The statement further reads that MCS aims to ensure its officers abide by the laws and protects human rights of all inmates as well as making officers more responsible.

Further, MCS revealed that they are working to build more responsible officers by educating them through trainings.

MCS earlier claimed that the brawl started after an inmate attacked an officer and the home ministry confirmed that officers had used excessive force when controlling the issue. Home Minister Imran Abdulla earlier revealed that necessary action will be taken against those found responsible, emphasizing that the government will do “everything” to reform the country’s prison system.

Local media reported that officers had taken out five prisoners from their cells, handcuffed and dropped them to the ground before beating them with batons and pepper spraying their groin area.

While they are accused of having forcefully shaved off their heads as well, MCS denied this.