Family of Afrasheem murder convict plea for help over reports of self injury

The family of a man on death row, convicted of killing a parliamentarian, has called on the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives to inquire into reports of self-injury.

Ahmed Khaleel, father of Hussain Humam, 22 years, said he had received reports his son had deep wounds on his hands and had been brought to Malé.

“Although he is in Malé, I am saddened to say that he has not been taken to any hospital for treatment,” Khaleel said in a statement today.

“In the last three years and four months he has been detained, doctors have said that his mental health has deteriorated drastically and have advised psychiatric help. We have not been informed about any psychiatric consultations or been given any information about his treatment,” the statement read.

Khaleel told the The Maldives Independent that the family had contacted the HRCM on receiving reports, and had requested officials to urgently check on his health. The commission has not responded yet, he said.

Humam was sentenced to death over the brutal murder of MP Afrasheem Ali in October 2012. He confessed to the murder, but later retracted it in court, only to admit to it again.

The young man, who says he was coerced into confessing by the police, now denies charges.

Aminath Eenas, the president of the HRCM, referred questions on Humam’s well-being to a spokeswoman, who said: “The complaint has been lodged, we are attending to it in line with our procedures.”

Eenas declined to comment on internal procedures on reports of self-harm.

A former commission member said the precedent in cases of injury is an urgent visit to the prisoner. The HRCM is authorised to inspect any detention facility without prior notice.

Humam’s brother, Mohamed Kinanath, said: “We are concerned about Humam in custody. In a family visit last week, he told us they were scaring him.

“We would really like to know about his well-being, it is vital that he is in good mental and physical health during the appeal. We would like the HRCM to visit him and ensure he is taken care of.”

Humam’s appeal is now before the Supreme Court. If the verdict is upheld, Humam may be the first Maldivian to be executed by the state in 60 years as the government has re-enacted death penalty laws.

Humam’s father has previously requested psychiatric help, saying his son displayed signs of mental instability, including staring upwards, placing his handcuffs against his mouth, and laughing hysterically.

The requests were rejected.

Khaleel has also lodged a complaint with the watchdog Judicial Services Commission alleging due process violations and calling for an inquiry against Judge Abdulla Didi who had delivered the guilty verdict.

Photo by V news