Commission of Prisons Audits has revealed several cases have been identified where inmates have been kept against international framework, laws and regulations.
Speaking at a press conference, President of Commission of Prisons Audits Ahmed Abdul Kareem expressed efforts are underway to audit the situation of Maldivian prisons, adding so far, it has been identified the prisons do not follow international frameworks, rules and regulations. The commission highlighted concern on deaths, delay in medical treatment and inhumane treatment in the prisons. The commission revealed the audit will focus overall on four areas, which includes collecting information from relevant authorities, laws and regulations, survey reports of prisons from international authorities and the amount of implementation of points noted in such surveys.
Moreover, the commission revealed importance will be given to identify the reason for inmate deaths, cases of delayed medical treatments and to ensure the basic rights of inmates. The commission further noted several visits will be made, without prior notice, to assess the situation of the prisons. Furthermore, the commission has asked the public to provide any known information regarding the prisons.
Moreover, the commission noted congestion is high in prison cells which results as a challenge to conduct the tasks of the commission. In this regard, member of the commission Shahindha Ismail stated congestion in prisons is the biggest challenge faced for the commission. She added it has caused health problems and challenges in providing the services for the inmates. Furthermore, Shahindha revealed it has been identified inmates are kept against the Mandela Rules.
The commission is required to prepare and submit an audit to Ministry of Home Affairs within 75 days. The main aim of the audit is to identify the situation of prisons to further improve the situation and to ensure the basic rights of inmates are not violated.
The government pledged to audit the prisons within the first 100-days of the presidential term.