Complaints against 4 officers filed with PIC over Friday prayer issue

Maldives United Opposition has filed complaints with Police Integrity Commission against four police who they have accused of obstructing people from saying their prayers.

Speaking during a press conference held at Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) headquarters on Monday, Judicial Minister of MUO Shadow Cabinet Hisaan Hussain said that the four officers were people who had ordered people not to say their prayers after performing the Friday prayer at Islamic Center on July 22.

Hisaan said that the particular officers had also manhandled the people.

The four officers include the officer who allegedly sprayed pepper spray directly into South Hithadhoo MP Ali Nizar’s eyes.

Hisaan said that complaints against individual officers were being filed with PIC to stop the officers from violating the rights of the people – rights ascertained by Maldivian Constitution.

She said that she did not believe PIC can turn a blind eye to the complaints.

Photos of officers who allegedly violate the rights of the opposition are being spread via social media, with requests for information.

MUO insisted that the complaints against the officers were not being sent to PIC to harass the police force.

Complaints against four other officers who allegedly obstructed members of MDP were also filed with PIC, last Tuesday.