The National Integrity Commission (NIC) has launched an investigation into allegations of excessive force used by officers of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) during a protest held by journalists outside the People’s Majlis building. The demonstration took place on the same day the government passed a controversial bill aimed at increasing control over the media.

The protest, which occurred during an extraordinary sitting of the People’s Majlis in mid-September, saw participation from journalists and members of the public who opposed the media control legislation.

Police reportedly used disproportionate force to disperse the crowd, injuring several individuals and obstructing journalists from reporting on the demonstration.

More than a week after the incident, NIC took to social media platform ‘X’, announcing that the commission has opened an inquiry into the police’s handling of the protest. According to the commission, it is authorized to launch investigations independently when issues involving law enforcement are deemed to be in the public interest.

While NIC has taken the initiative to investigate, the police institution has defended its actions, claiming that only minimal force was used to manage the situation. However, eyewitness accounts from journalists at the scene contradict that narrative, with multiple reports of aggressive and violent conduct by police officers.

Among those arrested during the protest was journalist Leevaan Ali Nasir, who stated that he was assaulted by police officers at the time of his arrest. Another individual was also detained, both reportedly handcuffed and removed from the scene.

The incident has intensified public concern over the shrinking space for press freedom and the apparent willingness of authorities to suppress dissent through force.

NIC's investigation is now seen as a critical test of institutional accountability in the face of growing criticism of the government's media policies and the conduct of its law enforcement agencies.