Shadiya submits case to High Court regarding arrest for protests outside embassies

Aishath Shadiya has submitted a case to the High Court regarding her arrest for protesting outside embassies in Maldives.

Shadiya, the wife of Islamic scholar Dr. Mohamed Iyaz, and Dr Shazra Ibrahim were arrested at the end of August. Their remand in custody was extended twice by the Criminal Court. Once the period expired, they were released from custody earlier this month.

Although Shadiya has submitted an appeal case against the two orders from Criminal Court to keep her in custody, the court has not made a decision on whether to accept the case so far.

Police said earlier that they had been arrested for violating the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act. A statement by Police further detailed that the women had repeatedly shouted into microphones near embassy buildings, used profane language, and harassed consulates and agencies.

Police also said the women did not heed verbal advice to cease their protests, which eventually led to their arrest.

Shadhiya and Shazra's protests primarily focused against Israel and called for the boycott of pro-Israeli products.

Their arrest has sparked concerns from local political parties Adhaalath Party and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), as well as members of the public.