MDP alleges brutal treatment of detainees, claims police acting on higher orders

Ahmed Mauroof, Legal Director of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has raised serious concerns over the treatment of individuals arrested during the party’s “Lootuvaifi” protest held on October 3 in the capital Malé City. He stated that the detainees are being subjected to harsh and degrading treatment, and suggested that the actions of the police may be directed by higher authorities.

At a press briefing held by MDP’s legal team, Mauroof outlined a disturbing pattern of obstruction, lack of transparency, and possible politically motivated abuse in the handling of protest-related arrests. He emphasized that those detained during the protest are not being treated in accordance with the standards typically applied to minor offenses, and described the treatment as unusually severe.

Efforts by MDP’s legal team to obtain basic information about the detainees were reportedly met with resistance. Mauroof noted that identifying which police station was handling the investigation took considerable effort. Once it was confirmed that the investigation was being conducted by the Galolhu Police Station, attempts to obtain meaningful updates or health-related information about the detainees were unsuccessful. Officers at the station were either unwilling or unable to provide answers.

Among those in custody are individuals who require regular medication for chronic health conditions. Mauroof expressed particular concern over the case of Hussain Salah, President of the Maafushi Council, who reportedly suffered a dislocated finger during his arrest. He stated that medical attention, including an X-ray, was delayed for an extended period after his injury was sustained.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Mauroof alleged that even after the protest officially ended around midnight, police officers were seen the following day stopping and questioning individuals believed to have participated. Some were reportedly detained on vague grounds such as “obstructing police duties” after refusing to answer unsolicited police questions in public.

Mauroof stressed that these incidents signal a troubling regression to repressive policing tactics not seen in over a decade. He expressed deep concern that the intimidation and harassment of politically active citizens, which had significantly declined in recent years, are once again becoming normalized.

In response to these developments, MDP has activated a legal helpline: 7341637, to provide assistance to anyone facing police questioning or legal intimidation in connection with the protest. The legal team has committed to offering immediate support to those affected.

The allegations underscore growing concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and due process in the context of political dissent, and raise pressing questions about the extent to which law enforcement is being used as a tool for political control.