President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has acknowledged that the Maldives Police Service (MPS) is slow in sharing information to the extent necessary to establish public trust in the institution.

Speaking at a ceremony held to mark the 92nd anniversary of the Maldives Police Service on Thursday night, President Muizzu said that the extent to which information is shared plays a very important role in establishing public trust in the police institution to the level it should be, and he requested that information be shared with the public as transparently and quickly as possible.

His statement implies that the police are slow in sharing information and that public trust in the police institution has been lost.

Speaking at the ceremony, the president requested that information be shared with the public from the moment an investigation begins. He said that by bringing information transparently, both the public and the police will find satisfaction. He also said that this would lead to further progress in the responsible work of the police, and that it would also reduce the spread of false information for political and other purposes. Along with this, he also requested to carry out work, closely with the public.

The president said that the police institution is the most important institution responsible for maintaining the rule of law. He also said that it is his pride to bring any progress and do any work necessary to strengthen and maintain public trust in the police in advancing the police institution in this manner.

While the president’s remarks echoed these sentiments, public criticism continues to mount over the police investigation into the case of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, who was found fallen and injured beyond recognition on a rooftop in Malé City on April 18. Amid ongoing criticism, infuriated protesters have been gathering near police headquarters to rally raise their voices, demanding justice for Yumnu.

In a press conference held by the police, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau also said that he acknowledges that there has been a delay in sharing information about the case and that there have been delays in investigating the case as well.

Many people have expressed dissatisfaction with the police since the case made the spotlight.