Police return phones of MDP's Zahiyya, Shiman
Zahiyya’s phone had been seized on 7 October, and Shiman’s on 9 October.
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Police have released the mobile phones of MDP National Assembly Member Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya) and activist Aishath Shiman Ahmed, which had been seized earlier this month under court orders.
A police spokesperson confirmed to Atoll Times that the phones were handed back to Zahiyya and Shiman on Sunday. Zahiyya’s phone had been seized on 7 October, and Shiman’s on 9 October.
The court order to confiscate Zahiyya’s phone was issued after she posted on social media, “I’ve started preparing Kandudu pepper spray to prepare for November.” Shiman’s phone was seized over a post referring to “Kirk H*M,” which the authorities alleged was a call for the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Both devices remained in police custody during the period in which personal photos belonging to the two women were leaked online. The police denied involvement in the leak, stating that information security procedures prevent any such data breaches.
The phones were seized under the Criminal Procedure Code, which grants law enforcement the power to confiscate property through a court order and to access data from electronic devices for investigative purposes.
The relevant provisions cited in the court order include:
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Article 36: Authorises law enforcement officers to obtain and inspect digital information stored on an electronic device.
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Article 74(4): Permits the search and seizure of stored computer data.
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Section 74(r): Requires the court to consider the nature and extent of the offence, the necessity of the evidence, and whether less intrusive measures could be taken before issuing a seizure order.
Police have not yet commented further on the progress of the investigation or whether any charges will follow.
