Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has affirmed the new amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act do not grant Maldives Polices Services (MPS) unnecessary and excessive power.
Speaking at a press conference held in Iskandar Building, Minister Imran affirmed the police would not exploit the power unlawfully. The minister also provided updates of the much necessary reforming needed at MPS. He highlighted MPS shall always uphold human rights regardless of the changes in laws.
Speaking at the conference, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed also addressed the concerns of the public on the powers granted to MPS. He clarified powers were granted to MPS after consultation with various authorities in Maldives. He further explained the powers granted to MPS by the parliament are powers police are also granted in developed countries. He also expressed a rhetoric similar to the minister in work to amend Police Act.
The parliament passed the amendments to Anti-Terrorism Act on September 30. The new amendments allow MPS to detain suspects of terrorism without a court warrant. The amendments also embrace the inclusion of evidence commonly not considered in common investigative practices such as suspect consent, comments by a suspect about a case.