#. 527 Abdul Wahid
Date of Birth:
Profile:
Date of Arrest:
Status:
Allegations of maltreatment:
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2 July 2006
Detainee reported the police arrested him on 12 May 2006 from
Lhaviyani Atoll, Naifaru Island, for alleged reports of attacking a court
magistrate in the island. Detainee reported the police released the detainee on
2 June 2006.
Detainee reported three policemen approached him on the street and ordered him
to accompany them for enquiries. Detainee reported the police took him to his
home as to collect his clothes and personal items. Detainee reported the police
transported him to Male' by speedboat at around 17:30 on the same day. Detainee
reported the police took him to Male' police headquarters and then transported
him to Atholhuvehi, a new police base in Male'. Detainee reported the police
confiscated his mobile phone and wallet and held him in a large cell with thirty
other detainees. Detainee reported the police provided him with a mat and
provided him with edible food. Detainee reported the cell lacked ventilation and
that he faced difficulties due to the other detainees smoking inside the cell.
Detainee reported the toilet was in fetid condition.
Detainee reported the police informed his reason of arrest on 13 May 2006 as
attacking a court magistrate in April 2006. Detainee reported the police allowed
him to telephone a friend, and that he requested the friend to retain a lawyer
to represent him.
Detainee reported the police granted him access to his brother on 16 May 2005
and on 30 May 2006. Detainee reported the police questioned him on 2 June 2006
as to whether he had paid street gangs to attack the magistrate. Detainee
reported he explained to the officers that he did pay street gangs and did not
attack the magistrate. Detainee reported he refused to sign a pre-prepared
statement at first but later signed the statement with amendments according to
him.
Detainee expressed distress as the interrogating authorities did not question
him though he was held for enquiries. Detainee reported the police transported
him to the Criminal Court to extend his period of detention on 2 June 2006 but a
judge at the court ordered his release without charge. Detainee reported the
police transported him back to Male' police headquarters and released him on the
same day. Detainee reported he signed a statement upon release.
Detainee expressed anguish the police did not return his wallet, mobile phone
and his clothing and instead informed him that they would look into the matter.
Detainee reported that he wrote a letter to the Commissioner of police on 4 June
2006 requesting to repay him for the items. Detainee reported that he had not
yet received a favorable reply and that the police keep passing to different
sections each time he telephone the police to ask about the items.
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