HRCM release Report on Solah’s death

18 December 2007
Report: Jaxlee

The report on the death of the late Hussain Solah issued by the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) was issued yesterday. According to the Report, official police records showed that Hussain Solah was released from Male’ Custodial Department of Maldives Police Services and included a statement of a police officer who saw Hussain Solah from leaving the Custodial Center. The report of the Human Rights Commission also states that the commission does not believe the statements of 5 people who saw Solah after his release from the custodial as just. Human Rights Commission also notes that none of the witnesses who claimed to have seen after his release from the custodial came forward to provide information when requested by the Commission. Further the Report of the Commission stated that as none of the CCTV cameras located at various points in Male’ shoed Solah after his release from the custodial, the statement in the police records which claimed that Solah‘s release from custodial cannot be proved.

The Report noted the lack of evidence to support the police records which claimed Solah was released from the custodial prior to his death. Further the commission noted the lack of evidence to support the theory that some people saw Solah alive after his release from the custodial. The commission also noted the reasons for the release of Solah given by the in charge of the Drug Enforcement Bureau were completely different from the reason given by Investigation Officer of the case.

“As a general rule when detainees are released, the pillows and mats used by the detainees are taken back, however when the Commission members visited the cell where Solah was kept, the mat and pillows that Solah used were still inside the cell, even some of his clothing were there as well, and as none of the CCTV cameras had picked up Solah after his release, police records which claimed that Solah was released from the custodial before his death cannot be proven” states the Report.

The report also stated that the doctor who examined Solah’s dead body on 15 April 2007 concluded that the probable cause of death as injuries received to Solah’s head.

According to expert opinion, after due consideration to CT Scan Report and Brought Dead Report issued by IGMH , by Dr. Madhavan of Kerela Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMMS Hospital) and by Medical College of Trivandrum, there were no injuries to any of Solah’s bones.

According to Brought Dead Report issued by IGMH, the probable cause of Solah’s death were given as fracture to Solah’s head and injuries to his cheek bones states the Report. However the Report stated that this cannot be taken as final as two independent expert opinions confirm no injuries were received to the bone structure.

The Report summarizes after due consideration to the Senior Forensic Consultant of American Academy of Forensic Sciences, that probable cause of death as drowning. “Where no other evidence provides any clue to determine the cause of a dead person found in water, and if sand is found in the dead person’s lugs, then the probable death can be taken as drowning” says the Report.

The Report also noted that although the toxicology report formed an important part of the autopsy formed in Sri Lanka, the Toxicology is still not furnished to the Commission for examination. As such the Report states the commission’s in ability to determine whether the cause may have been due effects of narcotics or any other substances.

The Commission’s Report also recommends that the police officer who brutally hit Solah while in detention, confirmed by the 3 eyewitness, be charged for manslaughter under the constitution.

The Report also state the action of the police to release Solah without informing his family, subsequent Solah’s alleged suicide attempt, was not a responsible one.

Hussain Solah’s death raised many questions. Particularly, when he was seen dead in the harbor of Male’ soon after he was brought to Male’ on drug charges by the Police.