Riots in the Maldives

The following headlines were gathered from:

Haveeru Daily, Male
http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english

• A prisoner who was injured in the disturbance at Maafushi prison passes away in Colombo

September 23, 2003

MALE, Sept 23 (HNS) -- Ahmed Shiyaz of Janavareemaage in Gaafu Alifu atoll Villingili island passed away on Monday morning while undergoing medical treatment at Apollo Hospital in Colombo.

An inmate of Maafushi Prison, he was injured when the security personnel guarding the armory on the island of Maafushi opened fire to repel an assault on the armory by a mob of prisoners who had broken out of the prison.

On receiving the news on Monday, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom telephoned Rahaa Moosa, the father of the deceased, and expressed his condolences to the family.

The President also told Moosa that, in treating the injuries that Shiyaz had sustained, every conceivable effort was made to save his life.

He said that he was deeply saddened by the death, and prayed to the Almighty Allah to bless the departed soul and to bless and grant fortitude to the bereaved family.

• Department of Corrections says that 18 persons who were injured in the disturbances at Maafushi Prison are being treated

September 23, 2003

MALE, Sept 23 (HNS) -- The Department of Corrections has said that 18 persons who were injured in the disturbances at Maafushi Prison were receiving medical treatment. The 18 included 17 inmates of the Prison and one member of the National Security Service (NSS).

Out of these, at present seven persons are receiving medical treatment abroad. Arrangements are being made to take abroad some of the others who are presently receiving medical care in the country.

The Department of Corrections also reports that information is being provided to the families of those who are receiving medial attention.

• President assigns Umar Zahir temporary charge of Maafushi Prison

September 23, 2003

MALE, Sept 23 (HNS) -- President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Monday assigned to the Minister of Construction and Public Works, Umar Zahir, temporary charge of Maafushi Prison.

The government is undertaking the measures necessary to improve prison conditions and institute further prison reforms.

• Arrangements are being made by the government to give full medical care to those who were injured in the disturbances at Maafushi prison

September 22, 2003

MALE, Sept 22 (HNS) -- Arrangements are being made by the government to give full medical care to those who were injured in the disturbances that occurred at Maafushi Prison on Saturday.
Some of the patients have on Sunday afternoon been flown to Sri Lanka in a special flight chartered by the Ministry of Defence and National Security. Medical evacuation of additional persons is also being organised and all are continuing to receive full medical care.