HRCM expresses concern over last night

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has expressed concern over the manner in which both the police and the protesters had maintained their actions during last night’s protests.

In a statement published today, the commission said that the police used unwarranted force during last night’s protests and that it has resulted in a number of damages. They noted that male police was active in arresting female protesters and that unwarranted force was used during arrests. They also noted that some of the personnel in the security forces used unsuitable language, but also noted that some of the security forces personnel had also sustained damages.

The commission statement said that the actions of the participants of the protest were also maintained in a manner which encouraged violence and that while some of the protesters had sustained injuries of various severity, the commission noted that children were seen being allowed to take part in the protests and that some of the news agencies and TV channels had provided news in misleading fashion.

The commission urged all parties to maintain their action in such a way that does not undermine the rights granted in the constitution and to prioritize the peace of the country, to respect and safeguard the human dignity of every individual.