The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has begun monitoring a hunger strike in Maafushi Prison.

HRCM said efforts were underway to gather information from the Maldives Correctional Service and speak with the prisoners.

"After the hunger strike in Maafushi Prison came to our attention, we have begun communication with Maldives Correctional Service to monitor the situation and speak with prisoners and detainees," the HRCM stated.

According to various sources, a hunger strike has been going on in the highest security unit of Maafushi Prison for a week.

But Corrections Media Officer Aminath Yusreen told Adhadhu that some prisoners were refusing meals provided by the prison and consuming their own food.

She did not say how many prisoners were buying their own food and how long they had refused the meals provided by the prison.

She added that two prisoners complained about feeling unwell and were provided medical attention.

"Some prisoners don't take the food we give them. But they eat the food that they have bought and stored. So that is not a hunger strike. No one was admitted. Two people said they were feeling fatigued so we took them to the doctor and the doctor said their vitals were fine," Yusreen said.

She further said prisoners started refusing food given by the prison due to changes in the operation of the prison security and that Corrections was trying to address their concerns.

Maldives Human Rights and Detainee Watch said they received information that a hunger strike is going on in Units 2 and 4 of Maafushi Prison.

The association called on the relevant authorities to ensure all the rights of prisoners as stipulated in the laws and regulations.