Mohamed Sajid Ahmed, a Special Constabulary officer of the Maldives Police Service, arrested on suspicion of selling vapes in Gd. Thinadhoo, stated in the High Court that although he attended the police oath-taking ceremony, he did not take the oath out of fear because it involved swearing by Allah. Despite a large number of cigarettes, vapes, and drugs being found during a search of Sajid’s house and motorcycle, the Thinadhoo Magistrate Court had released him. The state claimed that possessing vapes is illegal and that Sajid is a sworn police officer, having signed the oath declaration.
However, Sajid’s defense lawyer stated that he had not taken the oath. Sajid himself told the court that although he attended the oath-taking ceremony, he did not recite the oath and just stood with his hands in front. Nevertheless, he admitted to receiving a salary.
The presiding judge of the bench, Mohamed Niyaz, expressed strong dissatisfaction with Sajid’s statements, questioning him and stating that an oath has legal significance and is not an acceptable lie. He also raised concerns about how people could trust police officers, soldiers, and others in sworn positions if such incidents occur.
With this debate, the hearings have concluded, and the court has stated that the date for the verdict will be announced later.
