The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has announced plans to submit to the National Integrity Commission (NIC) a case involving alleged police brutality against a photojournalist who was flying a drone in Hulhumalé Phase 2 last Thursday night.
Hamdhaan Ahmed, a multimedia journalist at One Online, shared on social media that he had been testing a drone at a height of seven feet when two police officers approached him, questioned him, and asked him to stop flying the drone if he did not have the required permit.
According to Hamdhaan, he was taken to the Hulhumalé Phase 2 Police Station, brought to the mess room, and allegedly beaten on the face and choked to the point of breathing difficulty.
In a statement released today, the MJA said the details of the incident, combined with Hamdhaan's medical report and the account from One Online, give sufficient reason to believe that abuse may have occurred.
“Based on Hamdhaan’s statements, medical evidence, and reports from One Online, while the police deny any wrongdoing, there is reason to believe that disproportionate force was used, resulting in physical harm,” the MJA noted.
The association confirmed it would file the case with the NIC and monitor Hamdhaan's condition, offering legal aid if required.
At the same time, the MJA reminded journalists to maintain professional standards, including acquiring and carrying necessary permits for drone operation and photography. They also urged media houses to ensure compliance with permit regulations.
Police have stated they are investigating the allegations but, based on their findings so far, claim there is no evidence supporting the accusation of brutality.