Maldives Police decides not to take action against five police officers before court decision

The Maldives Police has decided that it will not take any action against five out of six police officers against whom cases have been filed by the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) in relation to the alleged crimes committed by the officers on 7 and 8 February 2012.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ali Rasheed said in an interview published on the Police website regarding the cases, which are being investigated by the Professional Standards Directorate, that it had been decided to take action against one out of the six police officers against whom cases have been filed by the PIC.

He said that the Police Disciplinary Board had decided not to take any action against the remaining five officers before the court makes a decision on the matter.

Ali Rasheed did not indicate any reason for taking action against only one out of the six officers. He also did not disclose any information related to those officers.

Detailing the cases filed against the police to the Professional Standards Directorate, Ali Rasheed said that complaints have been field regarding the use of excessive force, the use of offensive language, failure by officers to follow regulations and policies, and negligence in carrying out their duties.

The PIC has expressed concerns as no action has been taken against the officers who allegedly committed crimes on the day the government of former President Mohamed Nasheed changed, and on the first day of the government of President Dr Mohamed Waheed.

Vice President of the PIC Hala Hameed said that the activities carried out by some police officers on 6, 7 and 8 February are not related to ethical issues, rather, they were assaults, and no action had been taken by the relevant authority despite being notified to dismiss those officers.