Complaints received of protesters being subjected to strip searches, says HRCM

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has said that complaints are being received from protesters arrested during the ongoing series of protests in Male’, claiming that they are being subjected to strip searches as a general rule.

HRCM highlighted in a statement issued yesterday that strip searches are degrading and undignified, and thus encroach on human rights.

HRCM said that discussions have been held with the police, to encourage their efforts towards ensuring that strip searches should only be conducted when absolutely necessary and after all other options are exhausted, and in a manner that does not infringe human dignity.

HRCM has proposed several additions to the Police Regulation on conducting strip searches.

The propositions made by HRCM include obtaining the subject’s consent prior to conducting the strip search, having a person appointed by the subject present when conducting the strip search, allowing the subject the opportunity to file complaints following the strip search, informing the subject in writing that he has the opportunity to file complaints following the strip search, ensuring that the person who conducts the strip search is of inspector rank or above, and ensuring that the person who conducts the search is trained and authorised to carry out such a search.

Responding to HRCM’s claims regarding strip searches, the police said that their actions are within the limits of the general police regulations.

A strip search is the practice of search of persons for items suspected of being hidden on their body or inside their clothing, by requiring them to remove some or all of their clothing.