The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called for a thorough investigation into a series of deaths occurring in Maldivian prisons, expressing grave concern over the latest incident involving a 62-year-old detainee awaiting trial found dead in Maafushi Prison.

The prisoner, who was awaiting trial on charges of child sexual assault, was discovered hanged in his cell early this morning at 6:52 a.m., according to corrections officials.

In a press release, the MDP highlighted this as the second recent incident involving a death in state custody.

Earlier this month, Adam Athuhar, who had been arrested for holding a woman hostage at knifepoint, took his own life while in police custody.

Following that incident, the MDP had called for urgent measures to prevent similar tragedies from reoccurring.

The MDP is now demanding a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recent custodial deaths.

The party emphasized the need for the government to implement any recommendations that arise from such investigations, to prevent further incidents and safeguard those in state custody.