Decisions have been made to examine the procedure by which Special Operations (SO) police officers serving the Maldives Police Service (MPS) are called for duty, and to modify the policy to prohibit the summoning of officers without the prior authorization of the Commissioner of Police (CP). The action was taken due to the case in which SO officers were sent to an event held by the People's National Front (PNF) against the orders of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
President Dr. Muizzu has obtained relevant information regarding the case through the Ministry of Defence. The case was reported to the president on April 10, 1800hrs. Following the report, the president has ordered the CP to take five measures regarding the case, through the ministry.
The five measures to be implemented as per the presidential decree includes:
* Examine and review the policies which outline the various situations where SO officers can be summoned for duty, while amending them to ensure that the SO officers cannot be summoned without the approval of the CP.
* Restructuring the Police Operational Command and Control and solving the challenges the department faces.
* Taking legal action against anyone who neglected the case following the investigation by the Professional Standard of Command of the situation where the SO officers were sent to Ghiyasuddin International School.
* Reviewing the policies and regulations for providing information to the media during operations to ensure it is done transparently
* Ensuring that the Use of Force Review Committee of MPS examines the case and takes necessary measures if SO officers used their force near Ghiyasuddin School to their advantage.
Decisions to implement these measures were made following the case in which PNF held their event without the permission of the school. Despite the school granting approval previously, Ghiyasuddin School withdrew the permit of hosting the ceremony and further informed PNF about the decision. However, as PNF continued to host the ceremony in the school, the school filed a case to the police via the Ministry of Education. A team of SO officers was dispatched to assist in averting the event.
President Dr. Muizzu took these measures as the government aims to build and strengthen MPS, ensuring that it is accountable, professional and compassionate. Additionally, the president revealed his vision of eliminating the arrest of people and alleged torture by the SO officers, as seen in the past.
During the media address, President Dr. Muizzu emphasised on his unwavering commitment to fulfil the pledges after conveying Eid felicitations and well wishes. The president further reiterated repeatedly that no individual will be arrested for expressing their political views while intending to establish social cohesion within the society.