Crimes reported in first half of 2014 drop by six percent

The number of crimes reported to the Maldives Police Services in first half of 2014 has dropped by nearly six percent compared to the previous year, police statistics have revealed.

The total number of crimes reported within the first six months of 2013 was 7746, while this year it has come down to 7292 cases.

While there were reductions in all major categories of crimes reported, the most significant drops were seen in counterfeit and forgery case, and domestic violence.

Counterfeit and forgery cases – the least reported category of crime – dropped by nearly 38 percent, from 69 cases in 2013 to 43 in 2014.

The number of domestic violence cases lodged with police fell from 120 in 2013 to just 94 cases in 2014 – a fall of nearly 22 percent.

The number of domestic violence cases lodged at the police annually had been increasing gradually since 2010.

Local women’s NGO Hope For Women last year said the anti-domestic violence legislation enacted in 2012 did very little to improve the situation for victims of such crimes.

The organisation said that while the police were prepared for its implementation, but lack of mechanisms still left the force handicapped.

According to the police statistics, reported sexual offenses cases also dropped from 341 to 316 within the first six months of this year.

Theft – the most reported crime in both years – saw the second greatest reduction, with 3113 cases in 2013 to 2893 cases. Meanwhile, robbery cases increased by more than nine percent.

Drugs, the second most reported crime, dropped by approximately two percent – from 1974 in 2013 to 1929 this year. Assault cases were came down from 659 to 602 cases, while road traffic cases dropped from 1188 to 1156.

Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed has said that reduced number of cases in the first six months was the result of the force’s special efforts to reduce crime with targeted objectives included in the MPS strategic plan and the annual business plan.

A survey published by ‘Transparency Maldives‘ earlier this year revealed a lack of public confidence in state institutions – including the police.

In the survey conducted among 1000 randomly selected individuals, 32 percent stated they had “no confidence at all” in the police, while the same number of individuals said they had a ‘great deal of confidence’ in them.

A UNDP sponsored human rights survey published by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives in 2013 also revealed dissatisfaction with police services.

Approximately 32 percent of respondents were not satisfied with the police services. When asked what it was they were dissatisfied with, they mentioned the failure to deal with crimes, inability to contact in times of need, bias, torture and corruption.

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Man found dead off the coast of Malé

Police have discovered the body of a male in the sea near Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé.

Police stated that the discovery was reported to them at around 1:35pm by a group who spotted the body afloat in the sea.

“We cannot yet say whether the man is a local, nor have we established his age. The investigation is ongoing, and we will reveal further information as the examination of the body is completed,” police media official stated.

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Man with prior 24 year sentence arrested for assaulting a police officer

A man has been arrested in Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City, for obstructing police duties and assaulting a police officer. Police revealed that the man is currently sentenced to a total of 24 years in jail for previous criminal offences.

Four cases of drug abuse and one case of theft are included among the man’s criminal offences.

The detained man is a Maldivian national aged 36. Another man of 22 years, was also arrested along with him for obstructing police duties and attempting to flee while in possession of narcotics.

The 22-year-old man also has a previous record of assault with sharp objects and robbery.

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Councils ordered to seek president’s permission before leasing state lands

The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure has sent a letter to all local councils ordering them to refrain from making any decisions regarding state owned land without seeking prior permission from the president.

In a circular sent to the councils, the ministry stated that in accordance with the Land Act, it is the President who will decide on all matters concerning state owned land with the advice of his ministerial cabinet.

It was stated that the need to send a circular reminding councils of this had come after the president became aware of some councils continually failing to comply by the law.

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Police seizes over 600 coconuts kept on the streets

Police have seized over 600 coconuts which were kept on the streets near the local market in Malé City on Sunday and taken them to the tow yard.

Police stated that they seized the coconuts after they had been kept on the street for “a long period of time in a manner against regulations”.

They stated that police patrolling the market area will only seize goods after they have been kept for hours in a manner that obstructs traffic in public places.

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Health Minister seeks parliament approval for new role

The President’s Office has submitted the name of Minister of Health Dr Mariyam Shakeela for parliament approval on Sunday.

Shakeela was appointed to the post on July 1 after the ministry was renamed to the Ministry of Health from the Ministry of Health and Gender.

The re-shuffle also saw the creation of the Ministry of Law and Gender, which is set to oversee all government functions related to families, children, women, people with special needs, and human rights.

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UK visa forms to be accepted in Malé from August

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it has made arrangements for visa applications from students seeking to studies in the UK to be accepted from Malé from August.

In an announcement released on Sunday, the Foreign Ministry stated that the arrangement had been made with the work of the ministry in liaison with the UK High Commission and VFS Global.

The ministry called on students to prepare the necessary documents in advance and stated that they will later announce the arrangements for visa appointments and how the service will be given.

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President nominates members to the Police Integrity Commission

President Abdulla Yameen has submitted three names to parliament to be considered for the posts of members of the Police Integrity Commission.

The names submitted by the president are Al Usthaz Ali Nadheem of Gloriosa in Henveiru ward of Malé, Fathimath Sarira Ali Shareef who is Malé Municipal Registry number 1320, and Mohamed Faruhadh of Hasankaarige from the island of Meedhoo in Addu City.

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