The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has launched an investigation into claims that one of the suspects arrested from the Th. Thimarafushi terror-network was tortured while detained in prison.

The suspect in question is 32-year-old Ahsan Mohamed from Asrafee Villa, Th. Thimarafushi, and is one of eight arrested from Th. Thimarafushi from a terror network confirmed to be linked to the Islamic State militant organization.

Ahsan was charged under Article 7 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Act No. 32/2015) for plotting to execute an act of terror, in addition to charges as presented under Article 16-1 of the Act, for carrying documents suggesting support for a terrorist group. After the charges were raised, all eight suspects were jailed, with Ahsan Mohamed placed under detention at the Dhoonidhoo Custodial Complex.

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives had sent a team to the Dhoonidhoo on Friday night to clarify details from Ahsan, after having received reports that he was being tortured in detention at around 10pm on Friday.

Maldives Police Service (MPS) have since released a statement revealing that Ahsan had been attempting to destroy the camera installed inside his cell. MPS confirmed that Ahsan had been removed from his cell at around 8pm on 11 April after he had been caught attempting to blind the camera using toothpaste, and that he had threatened police officers while refusing to re-enter the cell.

At this point, MPS revealed that they had used pepper spray on Ahsan, moved him from the detention area and had him handcuffed, after he had resisted and attempted to assault police officers attempting to return him to his cell. MPS added that Ahsan had been issued a warning to not display such behavior in the future and returned to his cell sometime during the night on 11 April 2021.

The Police Professional Standards Command and Use of Force Review Committee are now investigating the actions of officers who interacted with Ahsan, to ensure they were in compliance with laws and procedures in dealing with detainees. MPS have revealed that they will be seeking action if their investigations reveal excessive use of force was used against Ahsan Mohamed in altercations between him and police officers inside the Dhoonidhoo Custodial Complex.