Court remands MDP activist Shamin for 10 days over Aug 28 protest

A court on Wednesday remanded Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) activist Mohamed Shamin for 10 days following his arrest in connection with a protest held by party activists on August 28.

Shamin, who works as a taxi driver, was arrested on Tuesday while he was in a taxi at Velana International Airport. He was subsequently taken to Galolhu Police Station.

He was brought before the court on Wednesday for a decision on his detention, after which the court ordered that he be held for 10 days.

According to an arrest warrant obtained by Dhauru, Shamin is suspected of crossing a police barricade and entering an area that had been closed off during the protest.

The court order cited public safety and security as grounds for his arrest.

Police have also accused Shamin of damaging property, obstructing the administration of law and obstructing a law enforcement officer.

Evidence submitted by police in seeking the arrest order included screenshots from CCTV footage, statements from officers who attended the scene and an intelligence report.

The case relates to the protest held by MDP activists on August 28.

Another party activist, Ahmed Maimoon Mohamed, who was arrested following the protest, was released by the court on Sunday.