HRCM urges legal remedy after alleged Maafushi thief doused with paint

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has called for legal recourse after a video of an alleged thief in Maafushi got circulated on media, showing the individual being doused in paint.

In a social media post following the incident, HRCM denounced the circulation of such content which depict people being physically and psychologically abused.

The commission also discouraged actions which encourage such behaviour, and called for immediate investigation and proper action against the perpetrators.

"In such instances, the cases should be referred to the relevant authorities within the prescribed procedure. [The commission] also calls on relevant authorities to investigate such cases and take action as soon as possible," the statement read.

The commission also advised against contravening the human rights and human dignity of others, and urged to promote peace and seek solutions within the legal framework in criminal and civil or other cases.

The video in question showed the man being taken outside where he was forced to apply paint over himself before an unidentified individual poured a bucket of paint over him, covering his head, face, and entire body.

In later footage, he was seen sitting on the beach, attempting to wash the paint off, while others involved in the incident remain nearby. Police arrived and took him away in a vehicle.

The videos sparked widespread criticism, with many condemning the act as inhumane and degrading. Netizens argued that regardless of the crime, such treatment is unacceptable and that there are laws in place to deal with criminals.