Complaint filed over Indian doctor at Dhoonidhoo

A complaint about an Indian doctor who works at a custodial centre has been lodged with the Indian embassy in the Maldives, local media has reported.

The opposition coalition has accused the doctor of neglect for refusing to provide care when sick detainees were brought to see him late at night. He is also alleged to have been careless when dispensing medicine.

The doctor did not recommend clean drinking water for detainees in Dhoonidhoo, according to the opposition, despite many of them being diagnosed with diarrhea after consuming contaminated water.

Ali Niyaz, deputy chair for the Maldivian Democratic Party, said a complaint was filed with the embassy because authorities, including the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, had failed to respond.

The Maldivian Democracy Network and the International Federation for Human Rights and Development claimed last week that the HRCM had failed to make “significant and preventive interventions” when the police and military engage in acts violating the Anti-Torture Act.

The HRCM has begun investigating claims that MP Faris Maumoon, who has spent more than 200 days behind bars, was tortured by police.

But the Maldives Correctional Service denied the torture allegations and insisted they were treating detainees with dignity and respect.

Ahmed Luqman, MCS media officer, told pro-government broadcaster Channel 13 that reports of torture were false and intended to create discord.

Earlier this month the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives accused police of using disproportionate force in some instances to disperse daily opposition demonstrations that have been taking place since February 1.