Ihsan denies political influence over police
MDP has accused Ihsan of exerting political influence over the police force, which operates under his ministry.
Home Minister Ali Ihsan said on Tuesday that senior political figures from the previous government remain free because he does not interfere with police operations.
Ihsan made the statement while responding to a motion filed by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) seeking his removal from office. The MDP has accused Ihsan of exerting political influence over the police force, which operates under his ministry.
Denying the allegation, Ihsan stated, “If I exerted political influence on the police, all the leaders of the previous government would now be in jail. They remain free because I do not interfere in police matters.”
He added that their freedom does not imply the absence of wrongdoing, as state investigations are ongoing.
“The investigations are progressing at their own pace. The police will act within their legal powers, and we will not exert political influence,” he said.
The MDP has also accused Ihsan of obstructing investigations into allegations against senior government officials. In response, Ihsan stated that police investigations continue into matters related to Corrections, Immigration, Customs, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM), and the Housing Ministry.
“These are government institutions with government personnel. If there were interference, these investigations would not proceed,” Ihsan said.
He also addressed concerns over delays in police investigations into allegations of fraud involving certain establishments. While investigations have been ongoing for several days, no updates have been provided by the police.
Ihsan defended the process, stating, “Many of these cases occurred in the past five years. They are being investigated properly.”
