Criminal action to be taken against individuals who spread false information on Covid-19

Authorities have warned of action against individuals who spread false information regarding the situation of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in the Maldives.

Commissioner of Police, Mohamed Hameed announced this via a Twitter post on Monday.

As such, the Police Commissioner warned of criminal action against anyone and everyone who spreads false information “that serves no legitimate purpose" regarding the pandemic in the country but instead, “creates fear and panic among the public".

The commissioner urged the citizens “and all” to refrain from such expressions, and actions during these challenging times.

In a separate Tweet, Hameed assured that criminal action will also be taken against those who “publicly harass or annoy” individuals with false accusations or misinformation that is linked to the pandemic.

In this regard, the commissioner stressed that the main objective right now, is to “protect the dignity and privacy” of everyone.

The commissioner’s warnings come at a time several Maldivians have been testing positive to the infection alongside foreigners following the first case of community transmission in the Maldives.

Since then, social media users have been circulating private photos of alleged patients that hinder the right to privacy and freedom granted to every citizen under the Maldives constitution.

This has been drawing public criticism, with the Covid-19 spokesperson, Mohamed Mabrook Aziz even having urged the public to refrain from such actions.