48-Year-Old Maldivian Found Dead in Police Detention, Investigation Underway
A 48-year-old Maldivian man has died while in police detention in Male’. Authorities say he was being held on drug-related charges when he was found unconscious in his cell early Saturday morning.
The man has been identified as Ahmed Afrah, a resident of G. Zamia. Afrah was arrested last Friday on suspicion of drug offenses and placed in remand at Atholhu Vehi by the Criminal Court for 30 days.
Police report that Afrah was discovered unconscious in his cell at approximately 5:50am. Officers immediately transported him to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to court documents, Afrah was in custody due to drug addiction and the urgent need for treatment. The remand order noted that urine tests conducted at the time of his arrest showed positive results for multiple narcotics.
Afrah also had a prior criminal record. Details about his past convictions were included in the remand order, emphasizing ongoing concerns regarding substance abuse.
Authorities have informed both the Human Rights Commission of Maldives and the National Integrity Commission about Afrah’s death. Additionally, the Police Professional Standards Command has launched an internal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police officials said the investigation will examine all aspects of Afrah’s detention, including his treatment while in custody, the conditions of the cell, and any medical interventions provided.
The death has raised questions about the handling of detainees with addiction issues and the support available to them while in custody. Authorities have pledged transparency in the ongoing investigation and assurance that all findings will be reported to relevant oversight bodies.