Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has raised concerns about an ongoing practice in prisons where prisoners are having their hands and feet bound and left isolated in the sun as punishment for disobeying prison officers. 

HRCM, which acts as a National Preventive Mechanism under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT), visits prisons to monitor conditions and releases an annual report. 

The 2025 report released by the HRCM flags concerns on a number of punitive actions taken at prisons. 

At the Dhoonidhoo police custodial jail, prisoners who disobey officers are reportedly shackled and kept isolated in the sun, outside their cells. According to the report, regulations permit such measures for inmates who defy orders, citing the need to maintain discipline and order within the facility. 

The report, however, raised concerns around the place where prisoners are kept isolated in these circumstances. As per the report, the area is extremely hot during the afternoon hours. HRCM noted that at times, prisoners are kept on a woven mat here with their hands and feet bound with flex cuffs. 

Although officers state that prisoners kept in these conditions are allowed to pray and use toilets, these have not been officially logged, the report states. 

Other concerns raised by HRCM include: