Parliament rejects MDP’s emergency motion over protester detentions
MP Mauroof had alleged that the police used excessive force during the arrests and that the six protesters, detained for 15 days in Dhoonidhoo custodial.
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The Parliament on Monday rejected an emergency motion submitted by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir concerning the arrest and detention of protesters from the opposition MDP rally held on October 3, citing the absence of supporting evidence.
MP Mauroof had alleged that the police used excessive force during the arrests and that the six protesters, detained for 15 days in Dhoonidhoo custodial jail, were being denied basic rights.
According to the motion,
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Some detainees were allegedly subjected to physical assault by police officers.
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Families of the detainees have raised concerns over the denial of basic rights.
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Medical treatment for injuries sustained during arrest had been delayed for over a week.
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Detainees under medication for chronic illnesses were not receiving the required assistance.
The motion further stated that the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), which has the legal mandate to investigate such complaints, had not initiated any inquiry into the matter.
However, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla ruled that the motion could not be accepted as an emergency issue, stating that it did not meet the requirements of the Rules of Procedure.
“Under Rule 197(a), it is the duty of the member moving an emergency motion to ensure that the matters raised are based on fact,” the Speaker said.
He concluded that the motion could not proceed as the evidence required under parliamentary procedure was not provided.
In response, MP Mauroof argued that the rules do not require the submission of evidence when moving an emergency motion. The Speaker maintained that the Presidency was acting within procedural guidelines.
The October 3 protest—which was dispersed by police using sonic devices and pepper spray—saw multiple clashes between security forces and protesters after the group attempted to march along Majeedhee Magu in violation of the approved route.
