Disclosing frequency and expenses of President's visits to Aarah could compromise his security: Defence Ministry
The Ministry of Defence and National Service has declined to disclose details regarding the President's trips to Aarah, stating that such a disclosure could compromise his personal security. The Ministry further clarified that the decision to withhold this information, which was requested under the Right to Information Act, is based on specific exemptions provided within both the Armed Forces Act and the Right to Information Act.
An aerial view of Aarah island. | maldivesfinest
The Ministry of Defence and National Service has stated that disclosing the number of trips made by the President to Aarah, along with the associated costs, could potentially compromise his security.
The Ministry of Defence and National Service issued this statement in response to a request filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The inquiry sought details regarding the total number of trips the President has made to Aarah for vacations with his family so far this year, as well as the total expenditure from the state budget for these visits. Additionally, the request asked whether any individuals other than the President, the First Lady, and their children had accompanied them on these trips, and if so, the specific number of people and the frequency of such instances.
The Ministry stated that the requested information pertains to the President's official visits to Aarah. Disclosing such details could potentially allow his movements to be tracked and identified. The Ministry further noted that releasing this information could compromise the President's security.
Refusing to disclose the requested information, the Ministry further stated that Aarah is the state-designated retreat for the President and his family. Under the Constitution and the Armed Forces Act, the military is legally mandated to ensure the security and protection of the President and his official residences. Consequently, the military emphasized that its operations are conducted with the utmost consideration for ensuring the comprehensive safety and security of the President and his places of residence.
Citing the Armed Forces Act, it further stated that under Section 24(c) of the Act, any information obtained by military personnel in the performance of their duties and responsibilities must not be disclosed to any party, except to those specified in the Act and under the circumstances explicitly outlined therein.
Furthermore, Section 22(a) of the Right to Information Act stipulates that information is exempt from disclosure if its release is defined as an offense under any other Maldivian law. Therefore, in light of these legal provisions, the requested information cannot be disclosed as it does not constitute public information.
