Friday
26th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Maldives Police Service (MPS) has launched an investigation into a police officer who had warned journalists covering opposition-led “India Out” protests.
MPS confirmed that the agency’s Professional Standards Command has begun investigation, following multiple reports of misconduct.
The officer, identified as “Solih” by his name tag, had accosted journalists while they were stationed at the junction between Alikilegefaanu and Majeedhee Magu, in capital Male’.
“Voice” chief editor Shafraz Ahmed Hussain reported that they were resting on the pavement when the officer approached them. Shafraz said that they had not said or done anything to provoke such a reaction, and when the officer said that “you’re dead”, they were quite shocked.
The officer was a member of the Special Operation (SO) officers, who were at the protest. He had boarded the SO vehicle after giving the warning. He had exited the vehicle again, to deliver the same warning.
The investigation came after independent bodies such as the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) had raised alarm over the attacks on journalists. Maldives Media Council (MMC) has also asked MPS to conduct an investigation to the attack.