Detainee Watch: Deceased inmate was mentally ill, denied medical care

Mohamed Jameel, a suspect who died at the Maafushi Prison on Friday, was a known mental health patient, but was denied medical treatment, says Maldives Human Rights and Detainee Watch.

The rights group issued a statement on Saturday morning condemning the 45-year-old’s death.

 The Detainee Watch said that Jameel, who suffered from manic depression, and was clinically diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, had his condition triggered by a toxic divorce and custody battles.

The group said that despite his known mental health issues, he was placed in in a standard prison facility, instead of receiving the necessary mental health care.

“Alarmingly, Jameel was held in custody without a trial, facing indefinite imprisonment,” said the group.

It said that Jameel had been in indefinite imprisonment for more than two years, without a review of his condition.

“This incident confirms the severe neglect and mistreatment within our prison system and demands urgent reforms to protect the rights and wellbeing of all inmates, particularly those with both physical and mental health conditions,” it said.

The Detainee Watch accused Correctional Service of consistently failing to failing to address the medical needs of inmates with psychological disorders.

It said that reports indicate Jameel was subjected to prolonged solitary confinement, denied regular medical care, and did not receive necessary medications.

It also noted that Jameel’s family has reported multiple bruises on his body, suggesting possible physical abuse.

The group said that the police handed over Jameel’s body without conducting a proper investigation, raising further suspicion about the cause of death, and calling into question the professionalism and accountability of the police service.

The Detainee Watch said that according to the information it has received, 57 percent of inmates held under the care of Correctional Service have been in indefinite imprisonment for more than a year.

The group said that the widespread issue of prolonged detention without a trial highlights a significant systemic failure that requires urgent address.

The group demanded an “immediate, thorough and independent” investigation into Jameel’s death.

It said that the government must ensure transparency and accountability in the process, and hold those responsible for any neglect or mistreatment accountable.

The group said that Jameel’s tragic death underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the Maldives’ prison and mental health care systems.

“Ensuring the humane treatment of all inmates, particularly those with mental health conditions, is a matter of human rights and basic human decency,” it said.

“Maldives Human Rights and Detainee Watch calls on the government to take immediate and decisive action to address these issues and prevent further tragedies and reminds the current government of their pledge to resolve the abuse of the issue of indefinite pretrial detention plaguing the criminal justice system.”

According to Correctional Service, Jameel was found motionless at his jail cell on Friday morning. He was taken to the prison’s medical center, and then to the Maafushi Health Center, at 12:13 pm. He was pronounced dead at 12:45 pm.

Photos taken of his body showed scars and bruises on his face, fueling allegations that he was tortured in prison.

Home Minister Ali Ihusan said that the doctor determined the cause of death as cardiopulmonary arrest.

He added that CCTV footage of the cell showed that Jameel appeared to have been praying during his last moments, and that his body was found in position of sujoodh.

Ihusan added that he had asked for an autopsy to be performed, in light of the allegations.

However, Jameel’s was buried after Fajr prayer on Saturday, without an autopsy.

Jameel had been jailed pending the outcome of his trial, in a case involving possession of a dangerous and sharp-edged weapon.