Mauroof was violently arrested by police during a fishermen's protest and required emergency treatment at IGMH for injuries sustained when officers dragged him down a boat ladder. His lawyer stated videos show excessive force was used and doctors are considering admission for further treatment. Parliament's Privileges Committee and international bodies including the IPU have been asked to investigate the allegedly unlawful arrest
MP Mauroof Zakiir at IGMH
Fishermen’s protest
MP Mauroof, violently arrested by police, receives emergency treatment
Mohamed Nishan Ibrahim, lawyer for MP for Kendhoo constituency Mauroof Zakir, has stated that his client received emergency treatment at IGMH for injuries sustained during his violent arrest by police.
Speaking to RaajjeMV, Nishan stated that videos corroborate that Mauroof was violently apprehended by officers of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) during a peaceful protest initiated by local fishermen.
He elaborated that police officers dragged the member down the ladder of the boat he was on, resulting in injuries of varying severity.
Nishan highlighted that due to the injuries sustained, the member is finding it difficult to stand and that his health condition is not satisfactory.
He reiterated that Mauroof received treatment in the emergency room at IGMH on Saturday.
Nishan further added that doctors have indicated the possibility that admission may be required for treatment.
He also stated that doctors have informed them that a decision regarding further treatment will be made after additional examinations are conducted.
A letter has been submitted requesting the Parliament’s Privileges and Conduct Committee to investigate the issue of MP Mauroof being taken into police custody. The letter asserts that the arrest of the member by police was unlawful and further highlights that police used excessive force beyond what is legally permissible, deeming it a clear violation of the dignity of parliamentary members.
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) Parliamentary Group has also submitted the matter to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), alleging that the arrest of the member was unlawful.
In addition to the IPU, MDP has submitted the issue of Mauroof’s arrest to the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
