Court remands 7 of 8 arrested at MDP protest for 15 days
Police said the individuals were detained on charges of obstructing police duty.
The Criminal Court has remanded seven of the eight people arrested during the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protest in Malé on Friday evening.
Police said the individuals were detained on charges of obstructing police duty. While seven were placed in custody for 15 days, one was released under conditions, including a restriction on leaving Malé.
Those remanded include:
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Hassan Solah, President of Maafushi Council
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Yasir Abdul Latheef, former MP for Kulhudhuffushi North
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Yousuf Abdulla, former MP for Dhandhoo
MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail called for the release of the detainees, stating that opposition activity would continue regardless of arrests. “It has proved once again that the people will not back down in fear of a baton, tear gas, pepper spray or sonic weapon. The number of people will increase day by day,” he wrote.
The Foreign Ministry earlier issued a statement in English defending police actions during the protest. Police said demonstrators attempted to march along Majeedhee Magu in violation of the authorised route. According to police, protesters also threw stones and water bottles at officers and tried to seize police equipment.
