Charges on politicians are investigated by a special unit: Riyaz

Kimbidhoo Constituency MP Abdullah Riyaz has claimed that a select team had been drawn up from the Police to investigate cases against political figures.

Speaking to press after Wednesday's hearings of the obstruction charges against him, Riyaz, who had served as Commissioner of Police, said that the whole of Police had become completely politicized with the Government using and abusing the agency for their political purposes. He said this was extremely apparent in the charges being raised on opposition political figures. Riyaz stressed that this must come to an end.

Riyaz said the opposition was essential to maintaining a healthy democracy; an essential part of development. As such, he called on Prosecutor General to cease politically motivated trials against politicians or other individuals.

He further stated that the four opposition leaders had banded together on national interest and not motivated by personal reasons. The work in the Parliament, he said, was motivated by this as well. Riyaz added that in a democracy political influence was an expected feature and that the Government has to respect opposition views as well.

"Political conflicts will always exist. Those in power will always engage in this," Riyaz said.

He added that every single individual in political field will always seek to maximize their influence, but said that this was no reason to attack the opposition.