Bodies sent to India for autopsies after two custody deaths

Authorities confirmed that the bodies of two inmates, who died while serving their sentences in custody, have been sent to India for autopsies. 

On February 2, Hassan Niyaz of Dhiggaagasdhoshuge, S. Hithadhoo and Ibrahim Suhail, Male' Register no. 439 died while in custody of the Hulhumale' Prison, where they had been serving lengthy sentences. 

Police said that both bodies were transported to India yesterday to conduct autopsies. 

Maldives Correctional Service previously said that Suhail had passed away after a week of being treated as an inpatient at IGMH for pneumonia. 

Niyaz had been sentenced to 25 years in prison only recently, on January 30 this year. Just a few days after his imprisonment, he passed away while being treated at the Hulhumale' Hospital for a sudden medical emergency, Corrections said. 

Allegations surfaced on social media claiming there were visible bruises on Niyaz's neck and chest. Corrections denied any instances of prison brutality, emphasizing that such practices are strictly prohibited and closely monitored within the prison system.

Corrections said that in the instance of any deaths in custody, they immediately inform the inmate's family, Police, Inspector of Correctional Service, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives and the Integrity Commission. They said that if there were any allegations of prison brutality, the relevant authorities will duly investigate it.