Police worked to defend democracy and constitution: President

Speaking at the function to mark the 79th anniversary of police service in the Maldives, President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that on 7 February 2012, the day that former President Nasheed resigned, Police were trying to uphold the constitution defend democracy.

“You made great efforts in defending the principles of democracy and laws of the constitution established by the hard work of the Maldivian people,” President Dr Mohamed Waheed said.

The President assured that no arbitrary orders will be made to Police, and no Police officer will be asked to do anything outside the law.

The President called on the people to stand up against the acts of a small group of people with political motives, which are destructive to the entire country.

“These activities are destroying our economy. Individuals and businesses are being affected by the attacks on tourism and other businesses,” the President said.

Noting that a proper police service is necessary for public safety and security, the President urged the police to respect human rights and human dignity when carrying out their duties even during the hardest of times. He said that it is the responsibility of the Police to exercise patience, intelligence, courage and steadfastness during tough times. The President believes that the Police act with behavioural integrity and professionalism.

He expressed dismay over the physical and emotional harm inflicted on Police and their families and called on the nation to support the Police in their work.

The President said that it is a priority of the government to improve the living standard of the police. In this regard, he said the government has allocated a 70,4000 sq. ft. land to develop flats for the Police, and construction efforts will commence soon.

Speaking at the ceremony, Home Minister Dr Jameel called on Police to make every possible effort to save the country from the dangers of drugs and other crimes.

He said that the public’s wish is to close all doors facilitating narcotic drugs into the country, and for the Police to utilise all means available to them to achieve this. He urged the Police to exercise authority to fight against gang crimes.

He also asked the Police to allow every citizen, without discrimination, the right to security and protection guaranteed in the constitution.

“The practices of the former government led to the laws being buried, judicial system losing its powers, political parties misunderstanding their roles in society, and the Police and security forces becoming victims of unlawful commands. It was the Maldives Police that called to uphold the constitution and brought back the law,” Home Minister Jameel said.

Stating that the sacrifices made by the Police on that day are as remarkable as those of our national hero Dhonbandaarain, Dr Jameel ‘saluted’ the Police for their efforts. He said that every Police officer who served the country on that day is a hero.

The Home Minister also assured that no arbitrary orders will be made to Police.

He condemned the unrest on 8 February and said that the government will compensate the Police for the damage caused to them on that day.