HRCM investigates Police use of LRAD at protest

HRCM is investigating the use of a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) during the MDP protest in Malé City last Friday night.

HRCM media official old Mihaaru News that the commission viewed the use of the LRAD during the protest as a matter of concern. He confirmed that further investigations were underway but did not provide specific details.

"Further investigations are underway, and more information will be shared once the investigation is complete,” the official said.

The LRAD is a non-lethal weapon used in various countries to control protests. It is designed to emit a very sharp, loud sounds across long ranges.

Many protesters expressed concern over its use at the opposition's "lootuvaifi, lootuvaifi" protest in Malé City on Friday.

The device was used for the first time in the Maldives to disperse a protest. Police deployed the device in the area where a shield line was set up between the public and the police. The sound can cause severe ear pain and, in some cases, permanent deafness.  

After the protest, the MDP legal team held a press conference, stating that the police were not authorized to use the device. Some individuals reported suffering severe ear infections, headaches, dizziness, and nausea while the police were using the weapon.  

Some have condemned the police for using such a weapon in a residential area.

However, Home Minister Ali Ihusan said the weapon had been used to disperse protests in the past.