Opposition calls for proper probe of detainee’s death amid negligence claims

The opposition coalition, composed of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) has called on authorities for a proper investigation into the death of a detainee at Maafushi Prison last week, amid allegations of a significant delay in medical intervention.

Mohamed Nasheed, 43, Hulhufinifenmaage, M. Muli, had been detained at Maafushi Prison pending the outcome of his trial on drug-related charges.

He died Thursday evening.

In a statement Friday night, the opposition coalition said they had learnt prison officers had been negligent in providing Nasheed with proper medical care when they were told he was having trouble breathing.

This coalition has also been informed his lawyers had received complaints Nasheed was repeatedly tortured, said the opposition.

“We call [on authorities] to conduct a full investigation into this case, reveal the cause of the death, and bring the negligent parties to justice,” said the opposition.

The opposition also called on the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) and other relevant state authorities to treat it as an urgent case.

According to Maldives Correctional Service (MCS), Nasheed was immediately taken to the prison’s medical center and given CPR when his cellmate alerted the prison officers and told them he wasn’t breathing.

“The doctor pronounced him dead at approximately 05:26 pm when he remained unresponsive after CPR,” said MCS.

The MCS did not say when they were alerted to the situation by Nasheed’s cellmate.