The Maldives Police Service has sparked widespread criticism after threatening legal action against individuals exposing alleged police brutality during the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s “Lootuvaifi” protest in Malé on October 3, which called for accountability over government corruption and mismanagement.
The warning followed the circulation of a photo showing a police officer operating a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) during the protest. LRADs, which can cause permanent hearing damage and psychological distress, have been banned or restricted in several countries over human rights concerns.
Eight individuals were arrested during the protest, including Addu Hithadhoo Rasgedhara Councilor Hassan Zareer and Mohamed Khalaf Ibrahim, who have since been released. The remand of six other detainees was extended by 15 days, and they were ordered transferred to Dhoonidhoo Custodial.
Among those detained was Maafushi Council President Hassan Solah, whose lawyer, Musthafa Hameed, alleged that police beat Solah in custody, breaking his left thumb. Another protester reported that police broke his finger during detention. Eyewitnesses said police used both tear gas and the LRAD to disperse the largely peaceful rally.
The incident has intensified public calls for an independent investigation into the use of LRADs, alleged assaults, and the intimidation of citizens documenting police misconduct, raising serious concerns about the Muizzu administration’s handling of dissent and transparency.
