Press Statement Reference No.: PMC/2020/05 On 6th of February 2020 at approximately 17:48hrs, the local police on the island of Maafushi received a complaint from a member of public that a female tourist, who was inappropriately clad and alleged to have been inebriated, was walking on the island’s main road. Tourists, on local islands are requested to respect the community’s cultural sensitivities and local regulations by restricting the wearing of swimwear to certain areas of the island where local communities live. Three officers approached the tourist and requested her to comply with the local regulations. However, she refused to comply and showed resistance. She was then detained and taken to Maafushi Police station. She was released from the station at approximately 19:10hrs that evening without any charges. Maldives Police Services sincerely apologizes to the tourist and the public for the regretful manner in which this incident took place. A full inquiry has been initiated to ensure that disproportionate measures are not implemented in such situations and assures the public and the family that action will be taken against any violations following the findings of the inquiry. A team of the Professional Standards Command of the Maldives Police Service was dispatched to Maafushi last night and is expected to report to the Commissioner on its findings in the next two days. The safety and security of our country including both residents and visitors alike are of paramount importance to us. Which is why we would like to remind the many visitors who come to our country to be mindful of local sensitivities when visiting inhabited islands.