HRCM Urges Public to Uphold Rule of Law Amid Outrage Over Vigilante Incident
A man covered in white paint following accusations of theft | Photo: Social Media
The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has urged the public not to take justice into their own hands, following widespread outrage over graphic videos showing the violent treatment of a man accused of robbery.
The incident, which reportedly took place in K. Maafushi, involved a man alleged to have robbed a shop. Videos shared across social media platforms appear to show him being severely beaten and tortured, including having paint poured over his body.
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In a statement issued yesterday, the HRCM strongly condemned both the violent act and the circulation of footage depicting the inhumane treatment. The commission warned that such actions not only breach fundamental human rights but also threaten the integrity of the legal system.
ވައްކަން ކުރިކަމަށް ތުހުމަތުކުރުވޭ މީހަކަށް ކ. މާފުށީގައި، ޖިސްމާނީ ގޮތުންނާއި ނަފްސާނީ ގޮތުން އަނިޔާކުރާ މަންޒަރު ފެންނަ ވީޑިއޯތައް ޢާންމު ކުރަމުން ގެންދާތީ އެފަދަ ނާތަހުޒީބު ލާއިންސާނީ ޢަމަލުތައް ފެންނަ ވީޑިއޯ ޢާންމު ނުކުރުމަށާއި، އެފަދަ ޢަމަލުތަކަށް ހިތްވަރު ލިބޭޒާތުގެ…— HRC of the Maldives (@hrcmv) April 15, 2025
The HRCM emphasised that all criminal allegations should be addressed through the appropriate legal channels, stressing the importance of referring such matters to the relevant authorities for investigation and due process.
The commission called for swift and fair investigations by law enforcement agencies and underscored the need for accountability in accordance with the law. It reiterated that no individual should infringe upon the human rights or dignity of others, regardless of the circumstances.
In addition to condemning the act itself, the HRCM cautioned the public against sharing content that depicts or glorifies physical or psychological abuse. The commission noted that such material can normalise violence and contribute to a broader desensitisation to human rights violations.
The statement concluded with a call for peace and the resolution of disputes within the boundaries of the legal system, urging all members of the public to promote justice through lawful means.
