Seven arrested at MDP rally remanded for 15 days

Criminal Court has ordered all but one of the eight people arrested during the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) rally in Male' on Friday night to be remanded in custody for 15 days.

Among those remanded include former Kulhudhuffushi North MP Yasir Abdul Latheef, Maafushi Council President Hassan Solah, and Addu City Council member Hussain Zareer. Others arrested were former Dhaandhoo MP Yaugoob Abdulla (GA. Dhaandhoo, Kakaage), Hussain Shakir (Male', H. Levendleeaage), Ali Juman (HA. Baarah, Kuhlhavahge), Azim Ali (B. Kendhoo, Noohiri).

Mohamed Halaf Ibrahim (N. Velidhoo, Javaahirumaage) was released without detention, reportedly on the grounds that he is a student.

The protest began at 9 pm at Artificial Beach but escalated when demonstrators attempted to march onto Majeedhee Magu, which police said was outside the permitted route.

Police accused protesters of throwing rocks and bottles and attempting to seize police equipment. Officers used heavy pepper spray and a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) to disperse the crowd.

The rally had been authorized to proceed only along Ameenee Magu and Boduthakurufaanu Magu.

Police have been accused of excessive use of force during the dispersal. While the LRAD was deployed, it remains unclear whether the police have formal guidelines for its use.