Alleged use of excessive force on journalist by police referred to NIC

Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has announced its decision to submit a case to the National Integrity Commission (NIC) involving the alleged use of excessive force on a journalist by two police officers.

The incident reportedly occurred after the journalist was stopped for operating a drone without permission.

The journalist, Hamdhan Ahmed, a photojournalist for One Online, claimed that he was assaulted by officers after being approached near Nikagas Magu on the seaside of Hulhumale' Phase Two.

Hamdhan admitted he did not have a permit for the drone but said he cooperated with the officers by presenting his ID. However, he alleged that police verbally abused him, dismissed his ID, and forcibly attempted to detain him when he refused to delete footage of the encounter.

According to MJA’s incident report, Hamdhan said he was pushed into a police vehicle, hitting his forehead, which caused visible swelling. He also alleged that he was beaten on the face while in custody at the Hulhumale' Phase Two Police Station.

Medical documents cited by MJA show swelling to the cheek, stiffness, and bruising on his right arm.

Hamdhan had been livestreaming on Facebook during the initial interaction, capturing footage of officers speaking to him in an apparently aggressive tone. He said officers demanded that the video be deleted, and when he attempted to leave without complying, he was arrested from behind.

Police have denied the use of excessive force. In a statement, they said that Hamdhan failed to confirm whether he had permission to operate the drone and was brought in for questioning for refusing to provide the required information.

MJA has stated that it will provide legal assistance to Hamdhan and has submitted the case to the NIC for investigation. The association has also advised journalists to adhere to ethical standards and legal requirements, noting that Hamdhan admitted to using inappropriate language during the exchange and had flown the drone without the necessary permits.