HRCM fails to meet legal deadline in police brutality probe
The HRCM is required to reveal the basis of their investigation within 14-days of the incident
Officers of the police have been accused of using disproportionate force and derogatory language when dealing with demonstrators
The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has to announce what the basic of their investigation into allegations of police brutality, as they are legally required to do.
Allegations of police brutality has been filed with the HRCM since mid-February, primarily by demonstrators injured in the nightly anti-government rallies.
On February 16th, the police’s attempts to disperse crowds gathered to call for the president’s resignation and for democratic reform, resulted in a demonstrator’s arm being broken.
While he had flown to Sri Lanka for treatment, a supporter of the Jumhooree Party ended up in a coma as a result of an altercation with officers as they stormed the party’s headquarters.
A journalist had also been beaten after being apprehended while covering a gathering, while media organizations have released statements condemning deliberate targeting of their crew and vandalism of equipment used by them.
These allegations led up to the commission announcing that they are sending in representatives to rallies and prison facilities to collect information on 'ongoing cases lodged' with them.
The laws on political assembly require the HRCM to investigate and announce points and basis for probes into allegations of police brutality within 14-days from when the incident occurred.
The National Integrity Commission is also required to investigate such allegations, though they too are yet to announce any findings on said allegations.
The commission was founded to oversee the conduct of police, customs, and immigration officials, although their website has no mention of the ongoing situation in the country and their official account on twitter has been alarmingly inactive.
MP Mohamed Ameeth said at a press conference on Monday that the allied opposition parties have filed a number of cases over the police's conduct with the commission, to no avail. He expressed concern over the institution's failure to carry out its constitutionally mandated duty.
There have been multiple accusations of police using disproportionate force and derogatory language when dealing with individuals gathered at nightly demonstrations in the capital city.
Detainees who have been released say that officers provide no reason for apprehending them and treated them with unprovoked hostility.
