Police slammed for rough arrest of elderly female protestor

The public has slammed the police over the rough arrest of an elderly female protestor in the opposition coalition’s protest on Sunday night.

The opposition coalition, composed of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), has launched serial protests in Male’ following the money laundering conviction against the opposition’s presidential candidate, former Maldivian president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

A video showing two police officers charging toward a group of female protesters during Sunday night’s protest, and roughly arresting an elderly female protestor has gone viral on social media.

The video shows two police officers holding back the elderly woman while she tries to run, and grab the flag she was holding. She is held by her arms, and dragged away by the officers.

The public, as well as political figures, have raised concern over the rough arrest.

In this regard, North Maafannu MP Imthiyaz Fahmy questioned why an elderly woman was arrested.

Ungoofaaru MP Mohamed Waheed (Wadde) also expressed dismay over the actions of the police.

“No reaction to people committing major offenses and CP’s list of people who will not hesitate to murder – but can have such a huge reaction to a person expressing their view? Shameful,” he had said.

Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed, via a tweet on Monday morning, said that the rough arrest was of concern.

“Also, public order officers’ way of handling an elderly woman at the protest last night in Male’ is of concern. Will be looked into,” he had said.

Many arrests are made during every night’s protest. Opposition coalition has also expressed concern over police officer’s rough handling of the protestors, alleging that people were being arrested on a ‘grab-and-go’ basis. The coalition’s lawyers have stated that such cases would be submitted to National Integrity Commission (NIC).