Police: Action will be taken for inciting hatred against individual officers

The Maldives Police Service has warned that legal action will be taken against individuals who intimidate or incite hatred toward police officers on social media.

The warning was issued after a photo circulated online showing an officer operating a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) during the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Lootuvaifi protest. Alongside the image, personal information about the officer was reportedly shared, accompanied by threats and critical commentary.

In a statement released Monday evening, police said they would pursue legal action against anyone who engages in behavior that fosters public hostility toward individual officers or their families, particularly if such actions interfere with the officers’ ability to perform their duties.

Police further stated that legal measures would be taken against those who use social media to intimidate officers or negatively impact their personal lives.

“Action will be taken against anyone who obstructs the performance of official duties of the officers of this service,” the statement read.

Anekkaa ves LRAD beynun kuran fashaifi https://t.co/aNcK6CtCNn pic.twitter.com/BW9ORi6PHm

— Muzayyin Nazim (@tedmaldives) October 3, 2025

The police emphasized that interference with law enforcement operations, whether physical or otherwise, can be subject to legal consequences under existing laws.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) confirmed on Monday evening that it is investigating the police’s use of LRADs during the protest. LRADs are high-decibel sound devices typically used for crowd control and public safety announcements.

The use of a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) against a peaceful MDP protest is deeply concerning. This isn’t a tool for public order. It is a weapon that emits high-intensity sound capable of causing lasting, even permanent, hearing damage.

Deploying such a device on citizens… pic.twitter.com/ohIemsaABU

— Faisal Naseem (@FaisalNasym) October 4, 2025

Eight individuals were arrested during the Lootuvaifi protest. Among them were Addu Hithadhoo Rasgedhara Councilor Hassan Zareer and Mohamed Khalaf Ibrahim, both of whom have since been released. On Monday, the Criminal Court extended the remand of six other detainees by 15 days and ordered their transfer to Dhoonidhoo Custodial.

Police used both LRADs and tear gas to disperse the demonstration.