Former President of Maldives and current Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has revealed that he was notified by Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) that the police were shadowing him.
Speaking at main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party's National Council, Nasheed said the biggest issue faced by the current administration and the country as a whole is the limitations within the police to carry out their work according to due procedures. Noting that the government was overthrown in 2012 as a result of police defiance, he does not wish for the same scenario to repeat, said Nasheed. The police service have to be reformed in order to avoid such a situation, he added.
"All too often, we are witnessing some officers from the police being excessively defiant of orders. There is nothing stopping the officers from overthrowing future governments in that spirit", said Nasheed.
Nasheed said while he has witnessed the result of defiance and disobedience, which resulted in an elected government being overthrown, MDP should not allow disobedience to reach the level where police-led protests can overthrow a government.
"I will say anything that needs to be said regarding this matter. I face many dangers as a result, and I am aware of it. Three nights back, I was informed by MNDF that the police are shadowing me. I wouldn't put it past them, the police or MPS might do that. They may seek a result through the sleuthing. However, I will not stop speaking about this issue", said Nasheed.
Nasheed said the case of murdered journalist Ahmed Rilwan has brought to light an age-old concern, said Nasheed. The report issued by the Presidential Commission Investigating Murders and Enforced Disappearances on Rilwan's case said Rilwan was murdered as a result of a dispute that stemmed between a group with extremist ideologies and those with liberal ideologies. The report further revealed some police officers and MNDF personnel were involved in the murder. Nasheed said it is impossible to reform the criminal system without addressing such issues, said Nasheed.
The former president added that empowering a presidential commission is not enough to uncover the truth behind the murders being investigated. Emphasizing the importance of reforming the police, Nasheed said the MPS should be able to conduct thorough investigations and all officers should cooperate with investigations.
Former President of Maldives and current Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed
