Maldives acting police chief fired

A police spokesman told media Saturday that President Abdulla Yameen has appointed Deputy Commissioner Abdulla Nawaz to replace him.

No reason has been given for the dismissal and a brief notice on the president’s website gave nothing away.

“By the power bestowed upon the President under Article 54 (b) of the Police Act (Act No: 5/2008), President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has today dismissed Ahmed Saudhee from the post of Deputy Commissioner of Police,” said the notice.

Former commissioner Ahmed Areef was fired Thursday night, hours after police announced it would enforce a Supreme Court ruling ordering the release of high-profile prisoners.

Saudhee, who was deputy commissioner when the ruling was released, was promoted that same night after the court’s announcement.

Attorney General Mohamed Anil told the press that Areef was fired because the president was unable to contact him following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Nawaz was assistant commissioner Thursday and was promoted to deputy commissioner after Areef was sacked. He is in charge of the force, as interim police chief.

A police tweet from Thursday night said both Areef and Saudhee had decided to enforce the ruling.

Photo: Avas