National Integrity Commission probes Abdulla Rasheed’s death

National Integrity Commission has made the decision to investigate the death of Abdulla Rasheed Mohamed from G. Keema in Male’ City, who had died while serving a prison sentence for aggravated assault during the May Day Protest in 2015.

NIC acknowledged that allegations of negligence were being made against Maldives Correctional Service regarding Abdulla Rasheed’s death.

NIC said that according to the law, it was the commission’s responsibility to initiate investigations, even if no formal complaint had been filed, if it received information regarding misconduct or alleged misconduct by law enforcement officers.

The commission said it found it imperative to investigate Abdulla Rasheed’s death for possible negligence by Maldives Correctional Service.

The decision to investigate Abdulla Rasheed’s death was made during the commission meeting held last Tuesday, said NIC.

Abdulla Rasheed passed away on October 9 at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital. His family has accused Maldives Correctional Service of negligent homicide over his death.

The family said MCS had delayed treatment even when Abdulla Rasheed’s condition worsened.

MCS issued a statement regarding Abdulla Rasheed’s death, saying the authority did not differentiate between any inmate in providing them their rights.

Abdulla Rasheed, a Maldivian Democratic Party activist, was sentenced to prison after he was found guilty of assaulting a police officer using a weapon during the May Day Protest.