Police Commissioner appeals to MPs to give Police legal authority

Commissioner of Police Abdullah Riyaz has appealed to Members of Parliament (MPs) to pass the new Police Act to give the Police sufficient authority to facilitate proper implementation of the law, in order to prevent crime.

At the press conference held today to provide details related to the murder of Dr Afrasheem Ali, Riyaz said that MPs should not hesitate to give Police more authority, and requested to establish a strong system which would ensure accountability and continuous monitoring of how this authority is used by Police Officers.

Riyaz said that it is part of Police duty to protect all citizens, and that this is not possible unless the Police are given sufficient legal authority.

He said that it would not be possible to make the society a safe place for citizens as long as Police do not have legal authority.

“Parliament Members and citizens can request that the society be made a safe place for everyone, however this is not possible as long as the Police have their hands tied,” Riyaz said.