Amnesty’s claim that Police used excessive force is totally baseless- Police

Maldives Police Service has stated that the claims of Amnesty International used excessive force when arresting ex-President Mohamed Nasheed is baseless.

Maldives Police Service strongly denied the allegations against the Police, as inferred by the public statement made by the Amnesty International.

Acting Head of Special Operations, Inspector of Police Ahmed Shameem said that the operation conducted by the Police to produce former President Nasheed to court under an arrest warrant issued by Hulhumale’ while he was in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Faresmathoda, was conducted very professionally. He said that the objective of the Police during the whole operation was to conduct it while safeguarding and protecting the former President. He added that the operation was very successful and the objective this was achieved.

Ahmed Shameem said that Nasheed fully cooperated with the Police during the operation and there was no problems caused by him.

“Nasheed requested for two matters. To provide him with a Benson & Hedges cigarette pack and to inform him of the estimated time that the he will be reaching Male’. These two requests were fulfilled. We gave him a pack of cigarettes and also informed him of the time he would be reaching Male’,” he said.

Ahmed Shameem said that some colleagues of Nasheed were allowed to accompany him during the operation. He said that they stopped at Fonadhoo for lunch break.

The Inspector said that the Police recorded the video footage of the whole operation and the media will be provided with the video when ever requested.

He also said that he has not been informed of anyone being injured during the operation. “Our all attention was given to Nasheed,” he said.

“Amnesty’s claim that the Police used excessive force is nothing but a lie. It is all false. If this operation is regarded to be brutal then procedures approved under the set regulations of internationally accepted law enforcement bodies throughout the world on how to conduct such operations should be changed. The Police conducted this operation very professionally,” he said.

Inspector Shameem noted that the statement of Amnesty regarding the matter is baseless and with a prejudiced point of view. He said that Maldives Police Service is dedicated and committed to provide a service for the nation and will remain to do so in the future.