Mahloof appeals for better conditions in prison

South Galolhu MP of People’s Majlis, Ahmed Mahloof has appealed for better prison conditions, warning there were many inmates suffering from serious mental abuse.

Mahloof, who is serving time in Maafushi Prison over two obstruction charges, issued the statement appealing for better prison conditions this Saturday.

In the statement, Mahloof said there were inmates in Maafushi Prison who were suffering from mental issues due to the way they are being treated in prison, as well as inmates who aren’t being given the medicine subscribed to them by doctors.

He also questioned the recent deaths of five inmates.

Mahloof said the human rights of inmates were being violated, and that Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) and National Integrity Committee (NIC) were turning a blind eye to the violations.

He also expressed concern over the food being served to the inmates.

“The curry served to inmates are as clear as “garudhiya”. Curry cooked to “transparency”,” read his statement.

Mahloof said that the embattled former Vice President and Tourism Minister, Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor was kept in a “concrete cave exposed to bake in the sun day and night.”

He also expressed concern over treatment of former Prosecutor General Muhthaz Muhsin as well as a number of death row inmates.

“Though I may have held opposing views from Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, I am extremely concerned over the treatment of him and other individuals I have noted before.”

Mahloof said that prison officers and staff members were good people in general, and that it was negligence on the part of senior officials which tarnished the name of the whole institution.

Senior Prison Officer of Maldives Correctional Service, Ahmed Luqman was unavailable for comment despite repeated calls by “Sun”.