Ex-CP Areef says he 'is labelled as a terrorist' for working to implement Supreme Court order

Former Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Areef, has said that the only reason he has been labeled as a terrorist is because he attempted to fulfill the duties and responsibilities assigned to him.

Areef said this at Sunday’s hearing in the terror charges raised against him, where he highlighted that it is the police’s responsibility to implement rulings issued by the top court, without any further questions.

He said he does not believe that he can be dismissed from his post for working to implement a ruling issued by the Supreme Court, or that he can be labeled as a terrorist for it. Noting that he took an oath of office, Areef said that he cannot go against his oath and refuse to enforce rulings by the top court.

He added that his continued detention proves that there is no rule of law in the country.

Further noting that he has been in the police force for over 29 years, Areef said that he has never done anything unlawful.

According to the charges raised against Areef, he is accused of using his authority as police commissioner in conspiring to overthrow the government, since 2017. He is also accused of planning to use officers to create chaos by pitting them against each other, as well as attempting to create public unrest and influencing the state and government.

After his charges were read out, state prosecutors were questioned on how Areef was linked to the Supreme Court’s ruling, and what he has been doing since 2017 to make sure the court issues such a ruling.

Prosecutors responded that these questions will be answered when the witnesses are brought in, as well as through the other evidence submitted to court, most of which are confidential.

At Sunday’s hearing, presiding Judge Ahmed Haleem allowed the former commissioner to share his concerns regarding his continued incarceration. Areef said that his rights are being restricted during detention, adding that he is being treated ‘worse’ than convicted criminals.

Noting that he is being kept in solitary confinement, Areef said that he is only allowed to leave the cell for one-hour per day. He also highlighted the ‘difficulty’ in meeting with his family and lawyers, as well as in receiving medical attention.

Responding to Areef, state prosecutors said that a nurse goes to Areef’s cell every day to check on his health, and that he is allowed to meet with family for one-hour per week and that he is given the opportunity to meet with lawyers, as per regulations.

However, Areef denied the state’s claim about a nurse checking on his health every day, and instead highlighted that it has been days since he requested a doctor’s appointment.

Areef’s lawyer Hisaan Hussain noted that the reason for keeping him in solitary confinement is for ‘intimidation’, and expressed disappointment in the state for defending it. She further appealed to court to stress the importance of ensuring that the rights of those under state care and that they are treated within legal ambits.

Taking the points into consideration, Judge Hailam asked the prosecution to share the defence’s concerns with Prosecutor General Aishath Bisham, and that they will be questioned on these matters at the next hearing.