date_range
Sunday 09 Feb 2025
LOCAL EDITION
close
LOCAL EDITION
Maldives Police Service has said that they entered MDP Haruge where a Maldives Unites Opposition meeting was being held on Monday night due to noise complaints, and that they did not require a warrant in such a situation.
MPS Information Officer, Ismail Ali spoke to “Sun” on Tuesday and said that the Service received noise complaints from civilians during the MUO meeting, and had repeatedly instructed the organizers of the meeting to turn down the volume of the sound system.
“Police entered Haruge to turn down the volume, when they failed to do so themselves,” said Ismail.
Police officers had stormed up the stairs of the Haruge and cut off the sound system.
Judicial Reform Minister of MUO Shadow Cabinet, Attorney Hisaan Hassan had been in the middle of her speech when the officers stormed the building.
She had asked the police for a warrant, stating that they could not enter the building without a warrant.
Ismail said that police had not needed a warrant to enter Haruge in that situation.
He cited Article 47 (b) of Maldivian Constitution and said that the officers did not enter Haruge with the purpose of confiscating anything, searching the place, or arresting anyone.
“Police entered the place to ask them to turn down the volume. Because civilians living in that area were complaining. We do not need a court warrant for that,” said Ismail.
Article 47 (b) of Maldivian Constitution states that private property and households were sacred, and that police cannot enter without permission unless there is imminent threat their inaction could result in injury to a person or damage to property or possession, or unless the police have a court warrant.
Ismail said that situations where police are not required to have a warrant are stated in both the Constitution and police rules and regulations.
Opposition party – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused police of entering Haruge, illegally, and manhandling Hisaan and MDP lawmaker Rozaina Adam.
