AG: Searches conducted lawfully, obstructions will be addressed

Searches conducted under court order are carried out by completing all necessary legal requirements, and anyone who obstructs such court-mandated searched will be penalized, says Attorney General Mohamed Anil.

Speaking at the inauguration of the awareness program on the new Penal Code this Tuesday, Anil said certain parties were spreading rumors for the purpose of creating fear within the community. He said that all uniformed institutions were operating lawfully.

“Searches are being conducted after completing all legal requirements. Obstructions will be addressed,” said Anil.

He also warned action will be taken against individuals who spread misinformation regarding State institutions and destroy the public’s trust in the institutions.

He said that anyone who commits a crime will be punished. And that people who are due punishment, will be punished after completing all legal requirements. Anyone who has a problem with it have the opportunity to send their complaints to relevant authorities, said Anil.

“Everyone, as long as they do not commit a crime will have legal protection. Laws, such as the Criminal Procedure Code are made for the wellbeing of all,” said Anil.

He said that some politicians were misrepresenting laws for their own political gain. He condemned such actions, whether by defense attorneys or anyone else.

He said that laws are established to safeguard the rights of the general public, as well as the rights of institutions charged with enforcing the law. He said that the institutions can be made answerable within the same laws.

The AG’s comments come after Maldives Customs Service’s statement it faced obstructions while conducting its recent searches on Villa Group’s resorts. Villa Group is owned by leader of Jumhoory Party, Qasim Ibrahim.