Lawyer alleges fabricated claims used to detain Shammoon Jaleel
Shammoon was arrested during a protest held on the night of 13 May calling for press freedom and the release of journalists from Adhadhu.
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Social media activist and writer Shammoon Jaleel was detained for 10 days without being questioned in what his lawyer described as a politically motivated arrest based on false allegations.
Shammoon, widely known as Lucas, was arrested during a protest held on the night of 13 May calling for press freedom and the release of journalists from Adhadhu.
He was released on Sunday after the expiry of his remand period.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, his legal counsel Imthiyaz Fahmy said the detention order had been issued in violation of the law and constitutional protections.
According to Imthiyaz, Shammoon was not questioned or asked to provide a statement until the day he was released.
“Lucas Jaleel’s arrest and 10-day detention were in direct violation of the Constitution and statutory laws,” Imthiyaz said.
He alleged that the detention was carried out under political instructions and said legal action was being considered.
Imthiyaz stated that the detention order accused Shammoon of assaulting police officers and disobeying lawful orders. However, he said the allegation of assault was not mentioned at the time of arrest or during the initial court proceedings.
According to Imthiyaz:
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Police did not accuse Shammoon of assault during the remand hearing
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There was no evidence that he assaulted or touched any officer
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The allegation was later inserted into official documents
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The court granted a 10-day remand despite police not requesting such a period
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The judge independently concluded that Shammoon posed a threat to society
Imthiyaz also alleged that access to his client was obstructed during detention despite submitting legal documentation confirming representation.
He further stated that detaining an individual for 10 days without questioning amounted to punishment without trial.
During the press conference, Shammoon said he was questioned only on the day of his release despite the seriousness of the allegations.
He also stated that he was denied permission to attend his brother’s funeral while in custody and that he was transferred between detention facilities without his family or lawyer being informed.
According to Shammoon, the purpose of the detention was to keep him in custody under false allegations because of his political views.
He said his only “crime” was opposing the government.
The speakers also raised concerns regarding delays in releasing detainees after court orders are issued and said the matter would be reported to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives.
“If President Mohamed Muizzu believes we can be silenced through imprisonment and oppression, he is mistaken,” Shammoon said.
