Police express concern over those 'taking advantage' of MDN report
The police said this in a statement released on Sunday
MDN Report with founder and Executive Director Shahindha Ismail in the background
Maldives Police Service (MPS) has said expressed worries over acts inciting hatred and violence, in the name of defending Islam.
The police said this in a statement released on Sunday, regarding the case submitted against human rights’ group Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN) over a report published in 2016 entitled ‘Preliminary Assessment of Radicalization in the Maldives.’
The group has since been suspended, as the service investigates the report; a complaint was filed against MDN at the police on October 3.
The police also revealed the latest in the MDN investigation, including the progress of the work to find and question those that compiled the report.
Earlier on Sunday, police issued a public summon for Dr. Azra Naseem, whom they said was involved in the work to compile the report. The public summon was issued as they were unable to get ahold of Azra, as she currently resides abroad. She is ordered to present herself to the police on November 5.
Police noted this in the statement, adding that they have sent summon chits to some of the individuals believed to have taken part in making the report, but that they decided to issue public summons as their whereabouts are unknown.
In addition to Azra, MDN’s founder and Executive Director Shahindha Ismail is currently residing in Germany, having moved there before the whole thing blew up. She has been given 14 days to present herself to the police headquarters.
The police stressed that those known to have worked with MDN when the report was compiled are also being questioned, as well as others that could be of help to the investigation.
In addition, police said that three scholars are working with them in the case, to conduct a thorough study of the report and determine the content that contradicts Islamic tenets, insults the religion and the Prophet.”
The Islamic ministry, who also filed a case over the report at the police, is to send its own analysis report to the police.
The police’s statement also noted concern over certain groups ‘taking advantage’ of the situation and working to incite hatred, violence and creating public disorder.
It also expressed worries over hatred being spread in the name of defending Islam.
Urging all against committing such acts, MPS asked the public to make it their own responsibility to maintain the country’s peace and unity.
The police further assured that it will fulfill its duties, including taking the legal action against those involved in creating the controversial report.
