Suspect arrested by officer in plainclothes is released

Criminal Court has ordered the release of a suspect who was arrested by a police officer in plainclothes.

The suspect for use and sale of narcotics was arrested by the officer from Male’ City last Friday, August 25.

He was released when taken to Criminal Court for his remand hearing. The judge cited that the arrest violated Criminal Procedure Act which dictates that arrests must be made by officers in official uniform.

ARTICLE 40 9(D) OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT:

- Any arrests under this clause must be made with the authorization of a police officer ranked Sub-Inspector of Police or above, by an officer in uniform