The says it has launched an internal investigation into the circumstances under which two out of over 40 Democracy Hub protesters were kept in their custody without being put before a court.
In a statement dated Thursday, September 26, 2024, the police said the investigation forms part of efforts to maintain high ethical and professional standards, and that officers who are found responsible will face disciplinary action. "As part of efforts to be transparent and maintain high ethical and professional standards, the police administration has directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB, formerly PIPS) to investigate the circumstances under which two of the suspects were kept in police custody for 48 hours without being sent to court, for necessary action to be taken against those responsible," the statement said.
The police arrested over 40 demonstrators from Democracy Hub who embarked on a protest against illegal mining activities in the country.
The protestors and their legal team have accused the police of mistreatment, alleging that they have been denied access to food, their families, and legal counsel since their arrest.