Concerns with regard to early recall from medical leave given to three Maldivian political detainees have been brought to the attention of South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders. SAHR is deeply concerned about these decisions taken by the government authorities which violate the basic right to health of these persons.
It was reported that the 30 day extension on medical leave given to former president Nasheed has been revoked on the day after it was granted. This has occurred when he opted to undergo physical therapy over a surgery to correct slipped discs in his spine and informing of six months recovery period. Similarly, Mohamed Nazim, the former minister of defence has been informed to cut short his medical leave and return in 48 hours from Singapore to serve the remainder of his 11 year imprisonment. He has also been warned that if he does not return as directed, the authorities will commence his extradition process. The Maldives Correctional Services (MCS) has also ordered Ahmed Nazim, former ruling party MP, who was also granted medical leave to undergo treatment in Singapore, to return to the Maldives within 48 hours.
SAHR would like to emphasise that prisoners and political detainees are entitled to the basic fundamental right to health which entails the access to appropriate medical treatment of their preference and the specific period of time to undergo treatment. It urges the government to duly oblige to the international treaties to which it is a state party in safeguarding the rights of its political detainees, who are also its citizenry.
On behalf of the members of South Asians for Human Rights
Hina Jilani
Chairperson
Dr. Nimalka Fernando
Co-Chairperson