Maldives Police, on Saturday, confirmed that the man, who was arrested for entering Male’ City’s Islamic Centre (officially named Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam) in a state of undress, was no longer under police custody.
However, police did confirm that authorities are working to deport the foreigner, now identified to be a Bangladeshi national, at the earliest possible date.
On Thursday, after Salat for Ishaa prayers (the call for which began around 1925 hours) were completed, the offender was seen by prayer attendees entering the mosque premises full dressed.
After a brief period, after establishing what onlookers described as a "considerable amount of distress" and raising a significant amount of noisy commotion, the man stripped off his clothing and according to witnesses, began screaming and pleading to be sent home to his own country.
He was escorted off the premises by a joint effort between prayer attendees and the police.
Police further stated that the man seemed to be demonstrating signs of mental illness and grave distress, and hence, efforts are being expedited between authorities and the expatriate’s sponsors, to ensure his speedy departure from Maldives.
Sign In