MDP claims protester suffered seizure after police used tasers; police deny use of force
Police have denied allegations that a protester was injured due to the use of force during a demonstration in Male' on Tuesday night. Authorities stated that the individual's medical condition was unrelated to any police action and maintained that no force was used to control the gathering. Consequently, the police have urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation regarding the incident.
From the protest held by the MDP on Tuesday night. | Raajje MV
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused police of using excessive force and deploying tasers during a protest in Male', claiming the actions caused a demonstrator to suffer a seizure. However, the Maldives Police Service has denied these allegations, stating that no force was used against the protesters.
A protester was rushed to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for emergency treatment after suffering a seizure when a police officer struck them with an electric baton during Tuesday night's demonstration. The hospital confirmed that the individual has since been discharged following medical care.
Police stated on Wednesday that they are aware of reports circulating that an individual taken to the hospital from a protest site on Tuesday night sustained injuries due to police actions taken to manage the gathering.
The police stated that there was no connection between the measures taken to control the protest and the individual’s injuries or deteriorating condition. Contrary to circulating reports, the police clarified that no force was used during the operation to manage Tuesday night's gathering. Furthermore, the police emphasized that the incident was not caused by any actions or measures taken by law enforcement in response to the protest.
Furthermore, the police stated that the dissemination of false and misleading information undermines public trust in state institutions and negatively impacts the delivery of services to the citizens.
Consequently, the police have urged authorities, media outlets, and the general public to refrain from disseminating information without first verifying its accuracy.
