Imran: No ‘unjust action’ will be taken against a police officer

The Maldivian administration will never condone torture, but will never take an unjust action against a police officer, says Home Minister Sheikh Imran Abdulla.

He made the remark in reference to the recent case of brutality by officers from the Drug Enforcement Department during a raid at a residential building located in Maafannu district of Male’ City on Friday, July 5.

Seven officers have been suspended and placed under criminal investigation for beating up a suspect, identified as a 36-year-old Bangladesh national, during the raid.

Imran took to Twitter this Tuesday to commend Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed (MC Hameed) for his quick response to the incident.

“CP @M_Hameedh has taken swift actions within 30 minutes since the recent case that is suspected to involve torture during a search operation was brought to his attention, reported to relevant institutions & informed the public. Transparency is key to our approach to governance,” said Imran.

He wrote further that while the Maldivian administration will never condone torture, it would also never take any unjust action against a police officer.

He asked that both members of the general public and the police force refrain from making any speculations until the investigation into the incident is concluded.

Maldives Police Service announced its decision to suspend the seven officers and open a criminal investigation in a statement last Monday evening.

Several police officers have protested against the penalty.