Home minister slams media over gang violence reports

Minister of Home Affairs Azleen Ahmed slammed the media Tuesday over “irresponsibly” portraying the authorities and Police as incompetent in combating the recent string of gang violence incidents.

Speaking to reporters for the first time after a sudden upsurge in gang violence and attacks that left two people dead within a week, Minister Azleen proclaimed that media reports of questionable verity regarding the incidents are inciting fear among the people.

The minister especially described articles which portray Police as catering only to the whims of political figures and the home ministry of “being asleep” as irresponsible, and called on the media to refrain from such actions.

“Out of the entire police force, some officers are tasked with controlling illegal political activities on the streets. However, spreading talk on media that [those officers’] work is done such that it compromises the safety and security of the common people is absolutely unacceptable,” he said.

Asserting that there should not be any room to spread such information as personal vendettas while undermining public and national interests, Minister Azleen repeatedly declared that certain media outlets continue to publish or broadcast such content.

“Hence, I urge [the media] to bring information to the public such that the people don’t lost trust in the forces that ensure their safety and security, and in the law enforcement.”

The home ministry and Maldives Police Service have recently come under fire on both media and social media platforms after the sudden and worrying increase in gang violence and murders in capital Male. Several people are blaming the authorities for failing to control and combat the attacks.

Minister Azleen assured that the government is working incessantly to stop gang violence. He stated that Police have been active and are carrying out “major operations” in relation to the incidents.

Five people were attacked over the past fortnight while two men have been killed. However, Police have yet to arrest any suspects in connection to the violence.