Police threaten “strictest” action over disclosure of officers’ personal information amid public backlash
MPS warns of strict legal action against sharing personal information of officers and their families on social media
Officers active as part of a police operation
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has issued a stern warning, threatening the "strictest" legal action against individuals sharing personal information of police officers and their family members on social media. The warning follows public outrage over the police response to the main opposition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) gathering held on the night of October 3.
According to the statement, the police claim that certain individuals are deliberately spreading personal details of officers who were involved in dispersing the MDP protest, which escalated into a confrontation as participants reportedly moved into the streets.
The police allege that such disclosures are intended to incite hatred, intimidate officers, and disrupt their personal lives. They assert that any act, online or offline, that obstructs a law enforcement officer’s official duties or creates a hostile environment around them will be met with legal repercussions.
The statement emphasizes that obstructing police work, whether through physical interference or social media actions that lead to public backlash against officers, constitutes a punishable offense.
However, the warning comes amid widespread criticism over the conduct of police during the protest, with many accusing them of using disproportionate force and causing injuries to demonstrators. The threat of legal action against critics is likely to further fuel concerns about police accountability and freedom of expression.
Rather than addressing the core issues raised by the public, such as excessive use of force and transparency in law enforcement procedures, the police response appears focused on silencing dissent and shielding officers from scrutiny.
As criticism of the police handling of the MDP gathering continues to grow, the threat of punitive action against civilians raises serious questions about the balance between public accountability and institutional protection.
