PIC to advice action against Police Commission

Police Integrity Commission (PIC), the police oversight body, has decided to notify the Ministry of Home Affairs to take administrative action against Commissioner of Police for tweeting a letter sent by an unknown individual, asking the people to “say no” to Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate and former president Mohamed Nasheed in the presidential election.

The decision was made by the vote from four members of the five-member commission. The decision was opposed by commission member Ali Nadheem, who called for a harsher penalty than administrative action. Ali Nadheem argued that the commission’s investigation proves that the commissioner violated the police act and thus, suggested to invoke article 75 of the Police Act and forward the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution.

PIC initiated investigations after Elections Commission filed the case, accusing Commissioner Riyaz of making political remarks to influence the presidential election.

Commission Riyaz had confessed during the investigation that he had tweeted the letter, and had stated that it maybe derived that he endorsed the writer’s views.

The letter describes Nasheed as “deceitful” and “wicked”, and asks people “say no” him in the presidential election in September.

Article 69 (b) of the Police Act states that it shall be an unlawful activity for any police officer, even in his personal capacity, to commit or engage in any activity that will create doubt in the minds of members of the public regarding the police officer’s ability to carry out his duties with fairness.