Maldives Police Service Press Release: 08th February 2012

Under the pretext of ousting the interim government, a number of individuals have been out on the streets of the capital vicinity and other provinces of Maldives committing atrocious acts of inhumane crimes like battery, assault towards citizens and inflicting destruction of private possessions, trade outlets and government property.

It has also been communicated that local Police Stations throughout the Maldives have been made a target of this malice. With the level of hostility detected in the current turmoil, it has also been feared that the ongoing protests by the former ruling party has steered towards acts of terrorism and violence within the capital city and throughout the Maldives.

Public is advised to stay aware of the fact that the rogue dissidents are in use of weapons such as sharp objects and metal pipes to inflict physical and psychological distress. Such terror filled in the hearts of law-abiding civilians is of deep concern to the Maldives Police Service (MPS). The MPS requests all citizens to abide by the rule of law and not advocate for people involved in these crimes.

The public is also reminded that it is a criminal offense to obstruct police in the execution of their duty, resisting arrest or assaulting police officers on duty. Those who are inclined to obstructing or resorting to any form of violence against the police or throughout the Maldives are duly warned that the police are empowered by law to use the necessary force to effect a lawful arrest. Therefore they should be warned that the police will not hesitate to use these power vested upon them by the law and let it be known that the Maldives Police Service will readily sacrifice themselves for the safety and well being of the people of this nation.