Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen has stated that he will not allow the misuse of powers granted to the police by the Anti-Gang Law. CP Naveen said this in an interview given to PSM News after assuming the position of Commissioner of Police position of Commissioner of Police. A special law has been passed and implemented in the Maldives to prevent gang-related crimes and other offenses. While this law is now in effect, enforcement agencies will begin implementing it three months after the President ratifies the bill. The newly introduced law has addressed various challenges previously faced by the police in combating gangs and has granted extensive powers to the police.
Some parties have expressed concerns that the police might misuse the powers granted under this law. Commissioner of Police Naveen said that once the law is implemented, people will see the integrity of the police. “Regarding the concerns raised by the public, when we start implementing it, our integrity and the thresholds we maintain will be evident. I believe that while I am in this position, I will not allow any kind of misuse of these powers by the Maldives Police Service,” Naveen said.
Naveen stated that the police are currently developing procedures for implementing this law. The CP said that the current work involves increasing the capacity to enforce the Anti-Gang Law and strengthening related aspects. CP Naveen has noted that there is work to be done by the police for the full implementation of this law. He also mentioned that information gathering is currently underway through various means.
“We are preparing by putting on paper the information gathered through intelligence and other means to carry out this work. When the Anti-Gang Law comes into effect, we will know the work that needs to be done, the challenges, and other issues. Once we know that, we can address those issues and take necessary actions,” CP Naveen said. The Commissioner of Police has expressed hope that with the new Anti-Gang Law, such crimes will decrease. He stated that he will work towards achieving this goal and highlighted that the new law serves as a force in preventing gang crimes.
The President ratified the Anti-Gang Bill on May 25th. This law will come into effect three months later, in August.”
