Protester who suffered heart attack discharged from hospital
Several protesters also reported experiencing hearing problems after exposure to the sound from the device.
Mohamed Raslan, Vice-President of the MDP National Assembly, who suffered a heart attack during the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protest on 3 October, has been discharged from Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).
Raslan was hospitalised following clashes between police and protesters during the rally. After his discharge, he issued a statement on Friday thanking those who cared for him and assisted during his treatment.
On the night of the incident, MDP President Abdulla Shahid wrote on social media that Raslan’s condition had worsened due to the long-range acoustic device (LRAD) used by police to disperse protesters.
“Raslan suffered a heart attack after [President Mohamed] Muizzu’s government used an LRAD against peaceful protesters. The government’s actions have gone beyond all rights,” Shahid wrote.
Several protesters also reported experiencing hearing problems after exposure to the sound from the device.
However, the IGMH later released a statement addressing the matter. The hospital clarified that heart attacks generally occur due to medical causes such as the rupture or blockage of heart arteries, rather than external sound exposure.
“This usually happens due to pre-existing health conditions. Various stress factors can contribute to a heart attack in individuals with such conditions,” the IGMH said.
Police have not commented further on the use of the LRAD or its possible health effects.
