Police Service Bill approved with amendment to probe high-ranking officers

The People’s Majlis passed the Police Service Bill at Sunday’s sitting, with an amendment to investigate allegations against high-ranking officers currently at service at the institution.

59 lawmakers, out of the 77 present at Sunday's sitting, voted in favour of the government-endorsed bill, proposed by the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s chairperson and West-Henveiru constituency MP Hassan Latheef.

MP for North-Galolhu constituency and deputy speaker, Eva Abdulla had proposed two amendments to the bill at Sunday’s sitting.

Her first proposed amendment was to Article 75 of the bill, which requires the appointment of a board of directors within 14 days after the bill is signed into law.

The board is to comprise of seven members including two appointees of the president, three experts and two public members; the latter is to be elected after being approved by the parliament.

MP Eva’s second amendment is to add five clauses to Article three, including to investigate high-ranking officers currently at the institution, starting from the superintendent of police, accused of unlawful acts.

While the amendment also details how the board of directors will determine if the officers are to continue their services, it also states that the officers will retain their positions until a decision is made.

The purpose of the Police Service Bill is to ensure police operations and services are provided in accordance with the Maldives constitution, human rights and international conventions.

The bill details the responsibilities and mandate of the Home Minister and the Commissioner of Police and the police in more detail than the existing Police Act, which it will replace.

It will also introduce new protocols and guidelines for their operations as well as duties and responsibilities of the officers.