The Maldives Police Service has claimed that Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed (Two Four) is conducting an official visit to Egypt—a country where the Maldives does not have an embassy—organised by the "Maldivian Embassy" there.
According to a news report published on the police website, the Commissioner is visiting Egypt from the 17th to the 21st of this month. The report noted that the trip was organised by the Embassy of the Maldives in Egypt.
However, the Maldives does not have an embassy in Egypt. The Foreign Ministry website does not list Egypt among the countries where Maldivian diplomatic missions are established.
Currently, the only Maldivian embassies in the Middle East and Africa are located in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Maldives does, however, maintain an honorary consulate in Egypt.
"During this visit, meetings are scheduled with senior officials of Egypt's National Security sector. Additionally, visits are planned to rehabilitation and correctional facilities, as well as training centers in areas beneficial to the Maldives Police Service," the police website stated.
The Commissioner’s visit to Egypt’s rehabilitation and correctional facilities comes despite Egypt being globally recognised as a country with a poor human rights record, particularly regarding the suppression of prisoners' rights.
"This visit will further strengthen the relationship between the Egyptian Ministry of Interior and the Maldives Police Service, and enhance collaborative efforts on matters of mutual interest in security and law enforcement," the police website added.
Egypt is also known for its lack of freedom of expression and press freedom. The government frequently leads severe crackdowns and abuses against those who criticise the administration.
These measures are enforced through the collaboration of the Ministry of Interior and security forces. Reported abuses include enforced disappearances, secret detentions, and the torture of detainees. In some instances, detainees have been victims of extrajudicial executions.
Human Rights Watch estimates that more than 44 people died in Egyptian prisons last year alone. Torture and inhumane punishment of detainees are reportedly common practices in Egypt.
