PIC advises not to obstruct police duties

The Police Integrity Commission (PIC) has advised not to obstruct the implementation of police duties as prescribed by the law.

PIC noted in press statement that members of the public and the police are sustaining injuries during the series of ongoing protests by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on the streets of Male’, and said that such injuries are typically caused when the police take action to break up protests.

PIC said that thus far, police have broken up protests when protesters break through police barricades and attempt to gather at locations prohibited in article 24 (b) of the Act on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly.

PIC advised protesters not to obstruct police duties as prescribed by the law, and to exercise the freedom to assemble and voice opinions peacefully, and within the limits stipulated in article 44 of the Act on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly.

PIC also advised the police to keep their actions within the limits of the law regardless of the situation, and only use force to the extent demanded by the given circumstance.

Eighty four people have been arrested so far during the series of protests by MDP, out of which sixteen remain under arrest following court orders. The police have said that those who remain under arrest are all men.