Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has stated that he has instructed Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau to investigate police actions during last night's response to events surrounding the halt of People's National Front (PNF) meeting.
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has stated that he has instructed Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau to investigate police actions during last night's response to events surrounding the halt of People's National Front (PNF) meeting.
Ihusan said that he has issued these instructions based on the fact that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has standing instructions to never use undue force in responding to incidents.
Last night's altercations arose due to PNF attempting to hold their Formation Meeting at the hall of Ghiyasudheen International School despite the school having earlier cancelled the agreement citing logistical difficulties. Police said the school appealed to them for intervention via the Ministry of Education.
During Police attempts to bring the situation under control and halt the party's efforts to continue conducting the meeting at the school's halls, physical altercations occurred between Police and PNF members and supporters.
Ihusan shared a post on social media X stating that the President has explicitly ordered that the SO police not be used in responding to incidents unless under special circumstances.
"I have instructed the Commissioner of Police to review police actions outside Ghiyasudheen School last night, and the reasons behind the use of force and the deployment of SO Police," the Minister stated.
He stated that President Dr Muizzu has issued instructions that undue force must not be used when responding to or providing security for peaceful gatherings and public demonstrations.
"And especially, President Dr Muizzu has ordered that SO Police must not be used unless under special circumstances," the Minister said.
The President's Office released a statement late last night regarding the incidents.
The statement read that the government will not obstruct any lawful political activity and that it will work to facilitate all such activity to the furthest possible extent.
"As schools are scheduled to reopen after a break of more than two weeks, and as preparations are underway for schools to reopen on Sunday, and as final exams will be conducted in schools, it is difficult for schools to issue school halls for any activities at the current time," the statement read.
The Sports Ministry then notified PNF leaders that the meeting can be held at the indoor hall of the Social Centre instead.
However, PNF chose to hold the meeting at the SinaMale' Bridge Platform in the end, after midnight last night.
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