Commission

President of Police Integrity Commission Shahinda Ismail has said that the Commission’s statement issued today, regarding Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) series of anti-government protests, was not formulated as she had wanted it.

Shahinda said that she was on vacation when the statement was issued, and that the Commission’s Vice President had been informed to also include adverse practices by the Police at protests in the statement.

“I was sent a draft of the statement before it was issued, and I pointed out that some points were missing, and advised against issuing the statement before those points were included,” Shahinda said.

She noted that from the way the statement is now, it is possible to conclude that it is biased.

MDP has expressed concern over the statement by the Commission, and responded with a statement.

MDP said in its statement that its protests, including those which commenced early July, are always practical and peaceful.

MDP also criticised the Commission for the statement.

Police Integrity Commission had noted in its statement several incidents during MDP’s current protests of the Police being injured and exposed to harm, due to protesters’ actions.