The Police have said that the Maldives Police Services is in the spirit of deploying all its officers if necessary, in order to control the unrest on the streets.
Speaking on behalf of the Special Operation Department at a press conference held at Iskandar Koshi, Inspector of Police Ahmed Shameem said today that the Police are ready to deploy all their officers in order to control the current unrest on the streets of Male’.
“Looking at the way things are going now, we are ready to deploy all officers of Maldives Police Service to stop the unrest. A special operation commenced last night to stop the unrest,” Shameem said.
He said that the current unrest is the result of serious planning, and that steps will be taken against those responsible for them.
“The unrest is caused by serious planning. Steps will be taken against those responsible for this,” Shameem said. He also said that offenders will not be given the chance to hide from the Police.
He said that the Police will not interfere with protests carried out according to article 32 of the Constitution. However, protesters breaking Police security line is against the spirit of demonstrations, and demonstrations near the President’s residence, Courts and President’s office will not be allowed.
Police said today that water cannons were used to disperse MDP women protesters subsequent to their repeated refusal to leave the area. Water was used as pepper spray or tear gas is likely to cause protesters more harm.
Shameem also said that if the Police are observed to use more force than is necessary, such cases should be submitted to the Police, who will correct their actions accordingly. He noted that ‘Lonuziyaaraiy kolhu’ area is not restricted to the Police, and that they will enter and check this area whenever necessary.