PG decides against charging police over custodial death
He died by suicide while in police custody on 2 September, using the strap from his shorts.
The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has decided not to pursue charges against two police officers in connection with the custodial death of Adam Athhar, citing insufficient evidence.
The charges had been proposed by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) following its investigation into Athhar’s death. HRCM submitted a chargesheet against the two officers on 6 January.
PGO spokesperson Ahmed Shafeeu confirmed to Atoll Times that the office reviewed the documents and reports provided by the HRCM but concluded that there was not enough evidence to proceed with prosecution.
Athhar was arrested on 30 August last year in connection with a case involving the stabbing of a woman in the neck and her abduction. He died by suicide while in police custody on 2 September, using the strap from his shorts. He was receiving medical treatment at the time of his death.
According to available information, Athhar required multiple visits to the hospital prior to his death. These included:
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Treatment at ADK Hospital for injuries sustained when police reportedly struck him during the rescue of the abducted woman.
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He was released from ADK and arrested the following day.
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On the same day as his arrest, he was hospitalised again after experiencing vomiting and convulsions.
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After his discharge from the hospital, he was taken back into custody and a detention order was obtained from the court.
There have been concerns raised by some legal professionals regarding police conduct during Athhar’s detention. Questions were raised about the procedures followed during his admission into the jail, including whether appropriate checks were carried out and whether items that could be used for self-harm were properly managed.
