Criminals will be punished only via the judicial system: Abbas Adil Riza

Government Spokesperson Abbas Adil Riza has said that despite the concerns of many Maldivians, protesters who attack Police and MNDF officers at the current MDP protests will be punished only via the judicial system.

Riza’s statement comes at a time when some political leaders have said that the government is not fulfilling its responsibilities in terms of implementation of penalties.

Riza said that the rule of law cannot be upheld by being sensitive, and that most Maldivians believe that President Dr Mohamed Waheed’s patience is the key to restoring calm in the Maldives.

“The government hears the calls to violate the laws. The rule of law is not about doing things as we please. For Nasheed, doing things as he pleased resulted in him having to resign. Most people believe that President Dr Mohamed Waheed’s success is the result of him abiding by the laws,” Riza said.

Pro-government party PPM’s Vice President Umar Naseer said earlier on VTV that based on the current government’s actions over the past six months, it is not likely that it will implement laws.

Umar Naseer criticised the government and said that no verdicts had been issued so far for the persons accused of setting fire to government buildings and attacking Police officers.

Riza responded to Umar Naseer’s claims by saying that necessary action is being taken within the laws, against those responsible for the aforementioned crimes.

He added that the government was satisfied with the speed of work of the implementing authorities.

The Police have completed investigations of several cases of arson attacks on Island Courts and Island Police Stations on 8 February 2012, and submitted them to the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Cases have in fact been sent to PG Office in relation to more than 200 people accused of being involved in these crimes, and the PG Office has sent several of these cases to Court.