Former PG condemns brutality against convicts at Maafushi prison

Former Prosecutor General, Muhuthaz Muhusin, has called for prison reform as highlighted in the recent audit report of Maldives' prisons.

On Sunday, videos depicting corrections officers pepper-spraying convicts at the remand facility in Maafushi island of Kaafu atoll, removing the convicts from their cells and forcing them to kneel in the yard has gone viral on social media.

However, as per the statement released by Maldives Correctional Service (MCS), reports alleging that a confrontation took place are false.

The statement further claimed that convicts created unrest and rebellion as their medical demands were “not being met”. Further, they also expressed their dissatisfaction with their investigative remand periods being extended and inadequate medical treatments.

Stressing that MCS is also concerned with the issues noted by convicts, the department highlighted that the Inspector of Correctional Service, Commissioner of Prisons Abdulla Munaz and Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Mohamed Asif had visited the remand facility in order to inspect the condition of convicts.

In response to this incident, Former Prosecutor General Muhuthaz stated via twitter that while prisoners are not people to take recommendations from, acts of brutality against prisoners are not acceptable. He further suggested that perhaps a better method would be to address the issues highlighted in the 2019 audit report of Maldives' prisons.

Muhuthaz also highlighted that the audit report clearly mandates MCS to establish proper healthcare for prisoners within one month of the report's publication and inform the Minister of Home Affairs.

While prisoners are claiming that there are extreme delays to consult with a doctor, the audit report also declares that arrangments must be made to provide healthcare from the nearest hospital if the prison's medical centre cannot cater to the prisoner's medical needs.

Moreover, speaking to RaajjeMV in regard to MCS claiming that two officers from the Maldives Police Service (MPS) also arrived at Maafushi Prison as part of an ongoing investigation involving a convict at the facility, Muhuthaz stated that the Prisons and Parole Act declares such issues will be dealt with the prison's disciplinary committee, adding that there is no reason for MPS to get involved.

Although MCS claimed that the police officers were at the facility regarding an assault by a convict, MPS stated that they were there for a meeting at the invitation of the Commissioner of Prisons.

Furthermore, MPS disclosed that the police officers monitored the corrections officers whilst they searched the cells but did not actively take part in the search.

Noting that most of the policymakers in the government are familiar with prison conditions, Muhuthaz stated that the delay in addressing prison reform is very disappointing.

The issue of congested prison facilities recently made the spotlight, with authorities overfilling prison facilities more than they can accommodate, following which an audit report was publicized.

With this being said, improving the condition of prison facilities and rehabilitating convicts into better and beneficial individuals for the society, are included in the incumbent President’s electoral pledges.