Commissioner of Prisons Abdulla Munaz has revealed the situation in Maafushi Prison deteriorated due to the actions of some prison guards. The prisons commissioner made the statement answering questions posed by Parliamentary Committee for National Security and Foreign Relations and Parliamentary Committee for Human Rights and Gender regarding the disruption that took place in Maafushi Prison last Thursday night.
Answering questions from the parliamentary committee, Prisons Commissioner Munaz revealed 6 inmates suffered injuries while prison guards tried to contain the situation. The commissioner said all injured inmates received treatment from the in-house medical facility. He detailed the inmates suffered bruises and bumps, which are believed to be caused when prison guards beat them with batons.
The disruption in the largest prison in Maldives took place when a prison guard refused to provide an illegal item to an inmate. The guard was attacked by the inmate with an iron rod. Commissioner Munaz said the incident is currently under investigation.
Noting the administration has done a lot to improve the conditions in the prisons, the commissioner highlighted the latest incident in the prison took place because the regulations and procedures were not followed by the guards. He said inmates suffering injuries would have been prevented if the standard manuals were followed. He added the guards exerted excessive force compared to the situation.
Furthermore, Commissioner Munaz refuted rumours that inmates were handcuffed and pepper sprayed. He said he had asked the inmates about the rumours, which were denied. He assured all inmates would be provided with adequate medical treatment when requested.
The prisons commissioner further revealed the commander on duty failed to identify the guards who used excessive force against the inmates and that he has been suspended indefinitely. He added the incident report compiled and submitted by Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) had flaws and assured the administration takes the situation seriously and would not be covered up.