Maldives Police Service denies the allegations of Amnesty International

Maldives Police Service has denied the allegations of Amnesty International who accused the Police of brutally beating and sexually harassing four women detained during an anti-government protest.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily, the Police media official said that the MDP held very violent protests on 19th March and attacked several officers of MNDF and the Police, but the Police acted within the law and with as minimum force required as possible.

The media official noted that a many women also participated in the protest and the police had to detain some of them. “However, only female officers checked them and communicated with them. They were handled very professionally and within the confines of the law,” he added.

Despite the allegations of MDP that four women who were detained on that day were sexually harassed by the Police, the Amnesty being a professional organisation they should not draw conclusions only listening to one side. He said this raises doubt regarding the integrity of the organisation and also their motive.

Meanwhile, Head of Professional Standards of Maldives Police Service, Ali Rasheed said, in an interview to Miadhu Daily, that the Police do not differentiate between those arrested. He said that it is saddening that Amnesty made such an accusation without even asking for a statement of the Police on the accusation.

He said that this will not only demean the honour and respect of the Maldives Police Service but also will obstruct the professional services of the law enforcement agency.

Ali Rasheed said that Maldives Police Service always works to maintain professionalism and always serve loyally within the bounds of the constitution.

It is noted that despite Amnesty’s allegations of sexual harassment against Maldives Police Service, no such cases have been filed at Police Integrity Commission (PIC) and the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives.

Some political analysts say that Amnesty International’s recent reports on the Maldives are very biased. They say that the people do not have faith in the organisation anymore.

Meanwhile, the Police Integrity Commission praised the performance of the Police and the security services acting on the frontline during the protests of 19 March 2012 near the Peoples Majlis to disrupt the Presidential address and further stated that they hoped that the MPS would continue to act within the law and with as minimum force required as possible in the future as well.