Sunday
24th Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Following the death of Abdulla Rasheed, who died in custody during a Drug Enforcement Department (DED) operation, another man arrested in the same operation has accused Maldives Police Service (MPS) of bodily harm.
The man arrested from GA. Maamendhoo, on Tuesday at 15:25, explained the details of bodily harm inflicted by the DED officers at an online hearing held at the Gemanafushi Magistrate Court for custodial sentencing.
The man explained in court that he was stripped and cold water was poured on his body. He said that he was also beaten up by the police. He told the court that the officers struck him on his mouth with a camera and split his lip, showing the judge his bruised lip.
His lawyer, Zahid Ibrahim told TMJ that after his arrest, the police officers held him at sea for the better part of the night.
Zahid stated that MPS has not presented any plausible evidence against the man and they did not find drugs or any drug related evidence on his person. Zahid said that his client was sentenced to 5 days in custody solely based on a police intelligence report.
Abdulla Rasheed, arrested from GDh. Hoandehdhoo was already dead when the police took him to Madavehi Health Centre.
MPS revealed that he had died suddenly, however, the deceased’s family accused police of being reckless and apathetic to his complaints of chest pains and pleas of medical attention. Furthermore, Madaveli residents believe him to have died after being beaten by the police, where MPS denied the allegations asserting that they are investigating the death.
Another operation by the DED has come under similar speculation for bodily harm on a foreign national. Although some officers were reprimanded for their role in the operation, none of them were terminated.