Maldivian authorities clarify on emergency situation: 'All arrested are in good health'

Male, February 15: Due to the emergency situation in the Maldives, certain dignitaries are arrested. But the Maldivian authorities clarified that those who are arrested are in good health and they are provided with good facilities.

In an official statement, it has been mentioned that “Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Justice Ali Hameed are in good health and none of their rights and liberties, as detainees under criminal investigation, are being infringed upon Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited and spoke with the detainees, as an Envoy of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, to ascertain their conditions and refuted claims of mistreatment.”

Former President Gayoom spoke with Dr Muizzu and acknowledged that he was in good health and that he currently has access to better facilities; having been moved from Dhoonidhoo Detention Centre to Maafushi Prison. The Former President has access to doctors and medicine as well as to his lawyers, Dr Muizzu said.

Additionally, it has been clarified that the Justices also confirmed to Dr Muizzu that they have access to medicine, doctors and lawyers without added restrictions and that they were being treated well with no additional infringement of their rights. They confirmed that prison authorities, as well as the police, were treating them well, within the letter and spirit of the law. Dr Muizzu said that the authorities have even allowed for special requirements such as individual’s dietary needs. Dr Muizzu refuted allegations of mistreatment despite widespread reports in the media, and social media saying that such accusations were baseless and that they were being treated humanely and with every courtesy, the authorities and the state could afford.