Several Human Rights violations observed in breaking up the protest on 8 February: Report

Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has said after investigations, that Police actions while breaking up the protest by supporters of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) near MMA building on 8 February 2012 resulted in several incidents of human rights violations.

HRCM said that investigations have revealed that the Police used excessive force in violation of the Constitution, Police Act and international treaties signed by the Maldives, to break up the protest.

“We believe that those responsible should be held accountable,” HRCM President Mariyam Azra said.

She referred to the arrests made in Addu City on 8 February, and said that while they were exposed to violent and inhumane acts, they were also deprived of basic human rights.

“The unrest in Addu City created fear in the community. People were deprived of several rights. Irrecoverable damage was caused to Courts, Police Institutions and assets. Several basic public services were disrupted,” Azra said.

She noted that the allegations that some individuals arrested in Addu City were taken onboard Coast Guard vessels, assaulted, and exposed to inhumane acts, are false and untrue.

Azra said that the Police and MNDF are urged in the report to uphold the Constitution, laws, human dignity, and Islamic values in their actions.

When asked why information on the unrest in other areas of Maldives on 8 February was not included in the report, Azra said that the conditions and security issues at that time only allowed investigators of HRCM to travel to Addu; however, information on other regions have later been included in the report.