Those who encouraged attacks on Police must be held responsible for Haleem

Vice President Mohamed Waheeddeen (Deen) has said that the groups which encouraged attacks on Security Forces should be held responsible for the death of Police Lance Corporal Adam Haleem, who was stabbed to death in K. Kaashidhoo last night.

Deen made this statement in an interview with VTV last night following the incident.

Deen said that people of Maldives have gone astray, and that democracy no longer exists in the country.

He referred to MDP’s Direct Action protests and their attacks on law enforcement bodies, and said that they are attempting to obstruct the establishment of democracy in the Maldives.

Deen strongly condemned the crime, and described it as a cowardly, inhumane act.

He mentioned that the Crime Reduction Taskforce will hold a meeting today, during which discussions will be held on the action to be taken following this incident.

He stressed that the government will not hesitate in fighting against such attacks on the Police. He also urged the Police to remain undeterred in their services.

Deen noted that the international community currently has a hostile view of Maldives Police, and said that the government will take the necessary action to correct this.

He added that no international group will be allowed to interfere with the internal affairs of the Maldives.

Police have said that Adam Haleem, 26, was attacked and killed by a man who was under arrest following another crime. He is currently under Police custody for investigations.

A special team of Police are currently in Kaashidhoo for this investigation.

Haleem was murdered while on his way to work in his Police uniform. He leaves behind a wife and a son of less than one year.

Kaashidhoo Health Centre has informed that Haleem was stabbed in four places on his body, including a nine-inch deep stab wound on his chest.

Haleem died shortly after being taken to the Health Centre.

The national flag will be flown at half-mast today, and the Police flag will be flown at half-mast for three days.