Serious Health Concerns for Maldivian Politician

Ahmed Adeeb, former Maldivian Vice President, suffers from several ongoing health conditions. Arrested in 2015 for what were believed to be politically motivated charges, his convictions were overturned last year and other charges against him were dropped in July 2020. Local media outlets have reported that the Prosecutor General submitted the case for appeal and accordingly, Adeeb was taken into custody again on 24 July following an order by High Court, raising further concerns about his wellbeing.

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  SAMPLE LETTER Dear President Solih, I’m writing to express serious concern about the situation of former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb who is again facing trial for charges that were recently deemed unlawful. Suffering from several serious health issues, including glaucoma, kidney stones, sleep apnea, internal cysts and syncopal attacks, I am gravely concerned for his health and wellbeing. While the Criminal Court dropped all charges against Adeeb on 14 July 2020, following an order by the High Court on 24 July, Adeeb is once again being detained, with the future trial date unknown. Given that Adeeb’s medical concerns are unable to be treated in the Maldives, his legal team first filed a request with the Maldives Correctional Services in 2016 to allow him to travel abroad to seek specialized treatment. That, and every subsequent request for additional treatment during the previous administration, was denied. The current administration allowed Adeeb to travel abroad to seek specialized treatment once since the necessary treatment was not – and is still not – available in the Maldives. As you are aware, failing to provide adequate medical care to prisoners is a violation of the Maldives’ international human rights obligations. As a state party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Maldives is legally obliged to respect, promote, protect and fulfill “the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.” The Prison and Parole Act of Maldives also guarantees adequate healthcare for prisoners. The severity of the situation needs to be emphasized, especially due to prisons being considered dangerous hotspots for the spread of COVID-19. I urge you to ensure that Ahmed Adeeb is granted prompt, regular and unrestricted access to medical care as necessary. Yours sincerely, [YOUR NAME] ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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