No actions will be taken against Police and Army officers- AG

If any steps is to be taken against anyone than that will be against Nasheed- Home Minister

Attorney General Azima Shukoor has said that no actions will be taken against the officers of the Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force following the investigative report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), released on 30 August 2012.

In a press conference held at the President’s Office yesterday AG Azima Shukoor said that if the Police had done anything against the Police Act than there are institutions to investigate such matters.

Azima said that the report of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives shows that it was the unconstitutional actions of former President Mohamed Nasheed which lead to the events of February 6 and 7. She added that she believes that the Prosecutor General’s Office will be taking any necessary action regarding this. She also said that the PG and that Police Integrity Commission are not influenced in anyway by the government and they are independent institutions.

Noting that the report of the commission recommends reform of the institutions, Azima said that the institutions will be doing this as per the recommendations.

In addition to the AG, Home Minister Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed also spoke in the press conference. He said that if any steps are to be taken against anyone following the reports of the HRCM and the Commission of National Inquiry than it will be taken against Nasheed.

Meanwhile, in a press release issued yesterday Maldives Police Service stated that the findings of the Report published by CoNI on 30 August 2012 have revealed that the suspicions alleged by former president, Mohamed Nasheed and his supporters against the police are groundless and false. On 7 February 2012, police lines displayed that nothing could precede the Constitution and the Nation; and showed their determination in adhering the law. The courage and commitment displayed by the police officers on that historic day will be an exemplar for the citizens aspiring to join Maldives Police Service and for the future generations.

The press release stated that policing services shall last as long as the nation exists. The populace may have to face the consequences of defaming the police institute in the self-interest of a person or a group or for a temporary gain.

The Maldives Police Service assures that it will always welcome constructive criticism, comments and suggestion to improve its services. “We will take actions to rectify our shortcomings and will continuously strive to improve our services.”