Not possible to inform Speaker before arresting MPs during protests: Police Commissioner

Commissioner of Police Abdullah Riyaz has said that it is not possible to inform the Speaker of Parliament before arresting Members of Parliament during protests, even though this is stipulated in the Parliament rules of procedure.

He said that the Speaker can be informed only in the event that an MP is arrested following a court order in the investigation process.

He pointed out that MPs are arrested for breaking the law during protests, and that these arrests are not planned; making it impossible to inform the Speaker of Parliament before taking them into custody.

He said that the Police do inform the Speaker via phone or SMS, as soon as an MP is arrested.

Riyaz stressed that it is sometimes not possible for the Police at the protest area to even inform the Commissioner of Police immediately following the arrest of an MP; however, as soon as any senior Police official is informed, efforts are made to convey the message to the Speaker.