MDP to raise Police LRAD use with international authorities

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has stated its intention to refer the police officer's deployment of a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) during the October 3 protest to relevant international authorities, and to examine possible legal actions under the International Convention Against Torture. 

Use of this high-decibel output sonic weapon during the protest led to complaints from protesters that it had caused various health issues. The October 3 protest use of the LRAD was the first time Police have used the device for crowd control in the Maldives. 

The police and government are facing sharp criticism over the deployment of an LRAD device on Male's densely populated main street, lined with homes and businesses. 

Speaking at MDP's National Council, the party's Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail said that the party will explore possible legal action that can be taken regarding the use of the LRAD. 

"Our lawyers are now researching possible charges that can be raised for the use of the device under the Convention Against Torture treaty," Fayyaz said. 

Fayyaz stated that the MDP will file a case with relevant international authorities against the Police officer, who, he claimed, used the LRAD device with apparent enthusiasm against members of the public. He added that the party intends to pursue accountability for individuals who carry out unlawful orders, be it police officers, judges or members of independent commissions. 

"Those who violate the public's constitutional rights cannot defend their actions simply to safeguard their own jobs, particularly when it causes harm to others," Fayyaz said. 

"The Constitution clearly states that unlawful orders should not be followed. Doing so to protect their own jobs is not an excuse they can use."

LRADs are non-lethal weapons used for crowd control in some countries. The device is used to issue warnings and instructions to large crowds of protesters. The device can also produce a high-decibel output, where it can be used as a sonic weapon, which causes discomfort. This sound can lead to pain, confusion, and temporary incapacitation, headaches, nausea, and even permanent hearing loss.

MDP's legal team has also said that there are no set guidelines on the use of the device, and that it is not a device permitted for use by the Police. 

However, Police issued a statement asserting that the use of force by the police during the October 3 protest was carried out in accordance with the authority granted under the Police Service Act and the regulations made under this, including the Regulation on Acquiring, Possessing, and Using Weapons and Regulation on Police Use of Power and Discretion.

"We affirm that all fundamental principles governing the use of force were fully upheld in managing the situation and restoring order," Police stated. 

The October 3 protest commenced at the Artificial Beach, from where protesters attempted to march down Majeedhee Magu. Police blocked their progress down the main street, and in the ensuing hours arrested eight protesters. 

Police said that they had worked to disperse the crowd due to MDP's violation of the route previously approved by Police. They stated that despite repeated advice and instructions to proceed along the preapproved route, protesters had defied orders and instead confronted Police.