I have not ordered for anyone

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that he has not ordered the police to arrest anyone, during the past two years of his presidency.

The President made his statement an event held today to inaugurate the police reserve force. Speaking at the event, the President said that before his administration, the police force had been utilized as weapon to fulfill the whims of the people who were in power. He said that the police themselves will attest to his claim that he had not asked the them to arrest or release a single individual, since assuming office.

“Until very recently, the police institution was being used to fulfill the needs of who ever was the leader, as a weapon to detaining who had to be detained and releasing who had to be released. You have stood witness, I have not asked any one of you to arrest an individual, or to release a certain other.”

President Waheed said that all his efforts are focused on the development of the police, with due consideration to the advice of the senior officers of the police force. He said that the police must be absolved from all political influence, especially if they are to be a professional insitition. He said that, as the President, he strives to lead by example.

“It is very important for the police institution to be away from political influence. It is equally important for the leaders to try and shield the institution from such influence. I try to lead by that example,” President Waheed said.