IPU concerned over failure to punish police officers who used excessive force on Feb 8

The fact-finding mission of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to the Maldives as part of renewed efforts to resolve cases involving the human rights of parliamentarians has expressed concern over the failure to punish the police officers who used excessive force on some members of the Peoples’ Majlis during the February 8 unrest.

IPU expressed their concern over the matter during a press conference held at Traders Hotel on Thursday morning by the three member delegation of IPU.

The leading member of the mission, Philippine Senator Francis Pangilinan from IPU’s Committee on Human Rights of Parliamentarians said that it is worrisome that no police officers who used excessive force during the February 8 unrest have been punished although two months have passed since the investigation of the matter revealed that excessive force was used by the Police on some members of the Majlis. In this regard the IPU mission met with the stake holders and expressed their concern regarding the matter.

Pangilinan said that the mission is deeply concerned that the police officers who used excessive force against the members of parliament earlier this year have not yet been punished.

He said that the video evidence available should have enabled the authorities to take effective and swift action regarding the matter.

Furthermore, the IPU mission called on the authorities to do everything possible to expedite their efforts to a successful conclusion.