:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Unknown medication fed to detainees

by Mariyam Mohamed - Saturday, 21st August 2004

Our informers in both Dhoonidhoo and Girifushi inform us that some of the detainees are very sick. The most disturbing news is that the senior detainees (muhimmu kuvverrin) are given some unknown medication (drugs) diluted with their food. Our informers are unable to tell us what type of medication, but they are told that that these medications, will help them to talk, and are warned to check whether they become hyper active.

Our informers also tell us that Gasim is not feeling well. Like other serious cases, the warden has reported to Adam Zahir, that Gasim is disoriented due to the detention, but otherwise he is ok. Our informers tell us that some of them are interrogated by senior NSS officers, by depriving them any sleep or food for last few days. Many are still in hand cuffs. Two of them were severely beaten when they used abusive language against Gayyoom. One was unconscious and was taken to the beach and kept in the water for a while. The other was taken to the "fini ashi" and beaten.

Many of the detainees are given antibiotics instead of pain killers to reduce their healing before they are released. None of them are expected to come out before their wounds are recovered fully. Many still have head injuries, loss of teeth and red eyes. There is constant crying among the prisoners due to pain.

We also have unconfirmed reports that Jennifer Latheef is in serious condition and she told the guards that she was abused by the officers who came to interrogate her. She told the guards that she was almost stripped, her hair pulled and forced to take some medication. She has been vomiting all day.

Many detainees at Girifushi are denied any bedding and are still kept in plastic stools since they were brought there. They are denied to pray or read Quran or even to have a bath since 15th.

Our informers also tells us that 14 new prisoners were brought tonight from Male and their heads are covered so they are still unable to identify them. One looks like a elderly woman who has been crying in pain.

We are also told by some sources that NSS is holding some prisoners at Hulhule garrison behind the air strip. According to these sources more arrests are on the way as they are expanding the detention areas.