MDP submits complaint to NIC over Police conduct at protest

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has lodged a complaint with National Integrity Commission (NIC) about Police conduct during the dispersal of protests against the Media Bill yesterday. 

In a press briefing held outside the NIC offices by MDP's legal team today, lawyer Aik Ahmed Easa accused the Police of using disproportionate force against protesters yesterday, including members of MDP and journalists. 

Aik said that one of these complaints has been lodged today, adding that more will be filed in the days to come. The complaint lodged today concerns Police conduct in detaining MDP National Council member Shah, where officers held him over the face and twisted his head 'as though they were trying to pull it off', Aik said. 

"The first case we have lodged is Police brutality against Shah. However, we would like to inform you that we will be filing further cases in relation to others who were hurt, including our members and media personnel," Aik said. 

NIC members met with the MDP legal team when they went to the commission's offices today. Former Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam thanked members of NIC for granting them an audience. 

She further stated that NIC will expedite investigation into the complaint submitted today. 

Protests broke out yesterday when the parliament worked to pass the controversial media bill submitted by independent MP Abdul Hannan AbuBakuru. 

Protests began in the morning and continued in to the night after the parliament passed the bill in an extraordinary sitting held around sunset. 

The government claims that the bill that was passed yesterday includes amendments addressing concerns raised by journalists. They assert that the bill would pose no obstructions to practising journalism freely. However, journalists continue to hold reservations against the bill, and the Journalists Association calls for the bill to be withdrawn.