We have never taken bribes: MNDF

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has denied rumors being spread by some accusing them of having taken bribes.

A brief Statement issued by the MNDF expressed strong condemnation of the lies. “Some individuals have recently being spreading untrue accusations against the Maldives National Defence Force saying that officers of the Defence Force had taken bribes. We strongly condemn these false rumors”, read the Statement.

MNDF Statement said that the Defence Force has always being at the service of the nation with loyalty, and has always worked in order to protect the people, the nation’s constitution and the security of the country. MNDF also said that the said protection is guaranteed for all the people of the country.

MNDF also condemned the rumors spread in Malé last night via SMS, according to which there were divisions and discontentment within the Security Forces. These rumors were spread, reportedly, by some of the leaders and activists of the former ruling party, MDP.

The Statement from MNDF also denied allegations that people arrested at Addu City were being taken into MNDF Coastguard vessels and tortured and killed.

Following the fall of former President Nasheed’s government, some of his supporters and close associates from his party have made claims that the MNDF and the Maldives Police Service took bribes amounting to millions from a number of business tycoons in the country in order to stage a coup.