Arrest of bikini-clad tourist: ex-pres. expresses concern over claims of no wrongdoing

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed concern over the manner in which a bikini-clad female tourist was handled by police officers in Maafushi island last week, especially over claims that there was no wrongdoing in the matter.

Nasheed on Sunday tweeted that this sentiment “adds to the concern” and stressed that “using undue force, male officers mishandling women and such matters will damage the country’s name and affect the tourism industry.”

While the former president did not name any names, Home Minister Imran Abdulla -during an interview with the state media on Saturday night- stated that there is no way to say that the officers had acted out of hand “from a security standpoint.”

However, he expressed disappointment in how the matter was handled and added that it could have been done better.

The woman, from the United Kingdom, was arrested on Thursday by a group of male officers and a video circulated online had drawn criticism especially over how she was “mishandled” by the officers. Police claims that the woman was intoxicated, and was taken into custody for “disobeying orders”; she was asked to cover up, as wearing bikinis is strictly prohibited in local islands in the 100% Muslim nation.

They further claimed that male officers were involved in the arrests as there were no female ones stationed on the island where the Maafushi Prison is located.

Police Commissioner Mohamed Hameed apologized over the matter almost immediately, adding that professionalizing the police service is "a challenge" that they are working on.

Police also released a statement detailing the woman’s arrest and subsequent release without charge, and apologized to her and the public “for the regretful manner” in how the matter was handled, and assured that a full inquiry has been launched “to ensure that disproportionate measure are not implemented in such situations.”

It further stressed that “action will be taken against any violations following the findings of the inquiry.”

Noting that the Maldives is an Islamic country, UK’s Foreign Office advises travelers "to be sensitive to local dress standards when visiting non-resort islands.”