Inmates go for hunger strike at Maafushi Prison

According to reports, inmates at Maafushi Prison have been protesting with a hunger strike with several of these prisoners currently in poor conditions.

Recently, a video clip of a prisoner being carried on a stretcher has surfaced as well.

Human rights advocacy group, Maldives Human Rights and Detainee Watch has said it received reports of a hunger strike in Units 2 and 4 of Maafushi Jail. The organization further said that families of these inmates have reported the deteriorating health conditions of prisoners amid the strike as well.

The Maldives Correctional Service however, however had commented it had not received such reports according to the organization. According to Correctional Service, inmates have been buying food from the prison shop as well, the organization added.

Correctional Service gave a similar statement to ‘Sun’ Online when it had reached out earlier as well.

“This organization has learned that, the prisoners who have taken part in the strike that began on Monday, have no way of buying food from the prison shop, which itself sells at a limited capacity and only on Sundays,” the organization said.

The organization further claimed that according to Correctional Service, it had not learned of any demands made by the inmates so far. The human rights advocacy group said that is has begun efforts to collect additional information as it believes the prisoners will not riot without any cause.

The advocacy group also demanded all relevant authorities to ensure all the rights prescribed for inmates.