Shiyam appointed police spokesperson following reinstatement after 12 years

Ahmed Shiyam, an Inspector of Police and former police chief spokesperson, has been officially reappointed as the Spokesperson for the Maldives Police Service today, returning to the force after twelve-years.

According to the Police, Shiyam will assume the position previously held by Superintendent of Police Ahmed Arif. In his new role, Shiyam will oversee the department’s media relations and public awareness communications.

Shiyam was dismissed from the police service in May 2014 while serving as the North Police Division Commander, following allegations of abuse of power. He initially challenged his dismissal in the Civil Court, which ruled in 2020 that there were no grounds for his reinstatement. However, after he appealed the decision in early 2021, the High Court overturned the lower court’s ruling on April 16 and ordered his reinstatement.

The High Court’s unanimous verdict, issued by a three-judge bench, found that the state had failed to demonstrate that the Police Disciplinary Board had conducted an adequate investigation, as no evidence had been presented to establish the basis for the board’s decision to dismiss him. Consequently, the court ordered the police to reinstate Shiyam and provide him with back pay and benefits covering the period from his dismissal until his reinstatement.

During his decade-long absence from the force, Shiyam entered the business sector, managing several well-known restaurants in Malé, while also remaining active in sports administration.

Following his reinstatement, Shiyam said on social media that the police service is his life’s calling, expressing his honor at having the opportunity to serve the community once again in the uniform he helped design.