23 Jun 2019, 9:00 AM
Hassan Mohamed
Maafushi Prison guards fearful of reprisals for attacks on inmates on Thursday are refusing to enter jail cells, disrupting prison operations and effectively halting the movement of prisoners.
Tensions are running high inside the biggest prison in the Maldives after guards attacked six detainees with batons, shaved their heads and pepper sprayed their private parts on Thursday after a duty officer was earlier attacked by a prisoner.
Home Minister Imran Abdulla said the guards had used excessive force to control the situation and vowed to end torture in prisons. He also suspended the commander of the Emergency Support Group (ESG) – backup guards. His name was not released.
Meanwhile on Saturday night, an off duty prison guard was attacked on Maafushi Island. Police suspect a group of men from Malé were responsible for the attack.
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