There is a group of Maldivians that support terrorism: Dr Hassan Saeed

Special Advisor to the President Dr Hassan Saeed has said that just like in any other country in the world, there is a group of people in Maldives who support and encourage terrorist activities.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the workshop ‘Police Leader Role in Combating Terrorism’ by Maldives Police Service in collaboration with American Anti-terrorism Assistance (ATA), Dr Hassan Saeed said that the Maldives is currently facing various challenges, including those faced by the Police and Military due to increase in crime levels.

He said that unless these crimes are stopped today, the country will face much more serious challenges in the future.

“Terrorists often cooperate and find encouragement and assistance from one another. We have to face this in an organized manner, by cooperating with other countries, people, institutions,” Dr Hassan Saeed said.

He emphasized the importance of public confidence in the Police institution, and advised the Police to face up to challenges and approach them in a professional manner. He added that the Maldives must be free of terrorism in order to sustain the tourism industry.

“Tourist arrivals did not go down in 2008 following the bomb blast in Sultan Park because the people responsible for the crime were arrested. The outside world was assured that such activities are not tolerated in the Maldives.”

The workshop was held from 10 to 21 June, and attended by 22 Police officers. Certificates were handed out to the participants by Dr Hassan Saeed and Commissioner of Police Abdullah Riyaz.