Members of the National Integrity Commission (NIC) on Tuesday, revealed having conducted an inspection of Maafushi Prison, in the recent aftermath of disturbances known to have taken place at the facility.
In NIC's official statement, they attributed the decision to launch an inspection to media reports of unrest. However, the commission did not disclose any information concerning the state of the prison.
On January 5, authorities reported the use of pepper spray in an attempt to control an altercation between inmates at Maafushi Prison.
According to the statement by Maldives Correctional Services (MSC), inmates on remand for an investigation began 'rioting' to express dissatisfaction over being remanded for long periods without investigation, and the failure of MCS to arrange access to medical treatment.
"The Maldives Correctional Services share the same concerns", claimed MSC.
Commissioner of Prisons Abdullah Munaz, along with senior officials from MCS visited the facilities following the incident, to assess the conditions of inmates.
They later stated that the use of force was authorized to control inmates that were obstructing jail officers attempting to conduct a search operation.
Last week, rumours about unrest at Maafushi Jail where inmates were injured and taken for treatment, were widely circulated on social media.
However, MCS did not release a statement regarding the matter.
Sign In