NCIAVHR Examines Inmate Conditions at Hadhramaut Central Prison

Al-Mukalla | October 30, 2024

The Chairman of the National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human Rights (NCIAVHR), Judge Ahmed Al-Maflahi, along with Commission member Judge Nasser Al-Audhali, inspected the conditions of inmates and detainees at the Central Prison in Coastal Hadhramaut on Wednesday.

Accompanied by Judge Shaker Bansh, Head of the Specialized Criminal Prosecution, the Commission team spoke with several inmates at the Central Prison, which currently houses 710 prisoners and detainees, including 13 women who are awaiting trial on various charges in Hadhramaut’s prosecution offices and courts.

The team assessed the detention environment and documented the prisoners’ requests for expedited case processing, completion of release procedures for eligible detainees, and improvements to the prison’s conditions, particularly regarding healthcare and services.

Colonel Ali Bazbaidi, the director of the Central Prison, briefed the Commission team on key issues facing the inmates and detainees that are currently under consideration by the public prosecution and courts. He also discussed challenges within the prison, primarily the lack of funding for food and medical care.

During the field visit, Judge Shaker Bansh announced that 15 inmates, including two foreign nationals, would be released.

These field visits aim to review human rights conditions in Coastal Hadhramaut, engage with security, military, and judicial entities, and understand the legal and service-related needs of prisoners and detainees.