Police have started a probe into officers on the scene forcing a journalist to delete photos captured during an arrest made on a Male' street last night.
Police have started a probe into officers on the scene forcing a journalist to delete photos captured during an arrest made on a Male' street last night.
Shama Shuaib, a journalist from Aslu TV who raised concerns on the issue on social media said that at around 20:26 hrs last night, they had attended a scene where a person was being taken under arrest on the street. They said that they had been carrying their press card as well.
However, once they captured photos of the arrest, an officer on the scene ordered them to delete the pictures, and insisted on it despite being shown the press card.
They said that they had finally deleted the photos after being threatened of being taken under arrest.
They raised concerns that this infringes upon press freedom.
Police Spokesperson Ahmed Shifan responded that when Police are active at a crime scene, this should take precedence for all in the area at the time. He said that Police would provide journalists the opportunity to report from the scenes while staying at a distance deemed appropriate.
He said that as the journalists concerns are believed to be against the actions of an officer, Police's Professional Standards Command will look into the matter further.
The man arrested last night has been identified as Mohamed Azham Saeed of Gaafu Dhaalu atoll Gahdhoo. He was arrested based on police intelligence reports that he is involved in the sale of alcohol.
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