Nasheed calls for release of protesters; highlights role of youth in advocacy

Former President and former Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has expressed support for youth-led protests calling for justice in the case of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, who was found fallen from the ninth floor of a building onto the roof of an adjacent structure.

In a post on the social media platform X, Nasheed said he is encouraged by the youth standing up for their rights. He stated that their continued activism reflects the development of a culture that supports and sustains advocacy efforts.

Nasheed’s statement follows the arrest of two individuals during a protest held last night. The protest was part of a series of youth-led demonstrations ongoing for more than ten days. The protestors have been demanding transparency and action in relation to the police investigation into the incident involving Yumnu.

Last night’s protest was dispersed by the Maldives Police Service using pepper spray and force. Police also arrested two protest organisers.

Political parties, including the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), The Democrats, and the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), have also issued statements calling for the immediate release of the detained individuals and urged that protestors be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights.