MP Mauroof, 7 others charged over MDP protest in October

Eight people, including Kendhoo Member of Parliament Mauroof Zakir of the Maldivian Democratic Party and Hulhumalé North council candidate Fathimath Zahiyya, have been charged in connection with an opposition demonstration held on 3 October.

The charges relate to allegations that the group attempted to march along Majeedhee Magu instead of Ameenee Magu, in violation of police instructions issued during the demonstration. The incident occurred four months and 24 days ago.

Some of those involved were forwarded to the Prosecutor General's Office last week for prosecution. The PGO said on Sunday that charge sheets were filed against eight individuals in the Criminal Court on Thursday.

According to the PGO, all eight have been charged with intentionally obstructing the duties of a law enforcement officer.

In addition to Mauroof and Zahiyya, the defendants are:

The MDP has criticised the decision to pursue charges, stating that the case is being used to discourage participation in a protest announced for 21 March.

The party announced the March 21 demonstration earlier this week. Mauroof is one of the figures involved in the organisation of the protest and serves as spokesperson for the task force opposing the proposed vote to merge the presidential and parliamentary elections.

The referendum on merging the two elections is scheduled to be held on 4 April, alongside the local council elections.

The demonstration held on 3 October was interrupted by police shortly after it began. Seven other protesters were arrested during clashes between police and the crowd. However, the Prosecutor General’s Office later decided that there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges against those seven individuals.