45-Year-Old Man Dies in Maafushi Jail: Investigation Underway
A 45-year-old man detained at Maafushi Jail for the duration of his trial died from a “cardiopulmonary arrest”, the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) reported on Friday afternoon.
The deceased, Mohamed Jameel from Sh. Funadhoo, was found lying motionless in his cell by officers who subsequently took him to the jail’s medical centre. He was then transferred to Maafushi Health Centre at 12:13, where a doctor declared him dead at 12:45.
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Jameel was being held on charges of assault with a sharp object for attacking former State Minister Ali Solih in 2022.
Following his passing, questions have been raised on social media about the cause of his death, particularly after photos posted on X showed bruising on his back and face.
On Saturday morning, media reports indicated that police officers interrupted the burial ritual and attempted to take the body for a post-mortem. According to Adhadhu, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan and Police Commissioner Ali Shujau later arrived at the cemetery and, after discussions with Jameel’s family, allowed the burial to proceed.
Ali Ihusaan posted on X earlier last night, stating that police would conduct a full investigation and perform a post-mortem with the family’s permission. He noted that the doctor had determined the cause of death to be “cardiopulmonary arrest.”
Regarding the death of an inmate in Maafushi Prison this morning, I would like to inform that every case of death in prison is independently investigated by the Inspector of Correctional Service. Also if there is any suspicion regarding the circumstances involved in the death of…— Minister of Homeland Security & Technology (@min_mohst) June 28, 2024
Ihusaan also mentioned that CCTV footage of the cell showed Jameel appeared to be praying in his last moments, with his body found in the position of sujoodh. This footage will be shared with all investigative agencies, he added.
Ihusaan assured that the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) would conduct an independent investigation if there are any suspicions regarding the circumstances of Jameel’s death.
