Imran: Smith’s release “not handled the best way”

The release of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) activist Ali Hashim (Smith) who was detained for investigation into an attack on former State Minister at Ministry of Home Affairs, Ahmed Siddiq was not handles the best way, says Minister of Home Affairs Sheikh Imran Abdulla.

Speaking during an interview to Public Service Media (PSM) last Saturday night, Imran said though Smith was released after the investigation was concluded and the decision to press charges made, he believed the case warranted further scrutiny.

Maldives Police Service has been criticized for its decision to release Smith from custody, many alleging it as an example of the extent to which the justice system has been compromised.

“I may be able to say that perhaps how it was handled was not the best way,” said Imran.

Imran said that authorities should create the opportunity to rectify mistakes, and that one mistake does not mean, mistakes should be made regarding other decisions.

He said that every mistake should be a lesson, and rectified.

“I have been informed the investigators considered the matters I mentioned above settled and made the decision. But it can be claimed the case warrants more questions and there are certain aspects which were not handled the best way. But there is precedent within the police regarding similar cases,” said Imran.

Smith was arrested for investigation into an assault on Siddiq last Wednesday. He was released the next day despite the court granting police an extra 7 days for his detention.

Leader of MDP, former President Mohamed Nasheed as well as a large number of MDP supporters had demanded Smith’s release.