Arrested MDP members from the protest stage hunger strike

Some Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members, arrested during a recent protest, launched a hunger strike, according to the party.

The MDP stated in a social media post that six people arrested and remanded in custody went on hunger strike. The strike was in protest of alleged discrimination in treatment, obstruction of medical treatment, and delays in the police investigation.

Just before midnight last night, Police announced that those on hunger strike had ended their strike, and resumed taking meals. Police did not disclose any further details. 

A total of eight people were arrested during the protest. Those remanded in custody for 15 days include former Dhaandhoo constituency MP Youqoob Abdullah, former North Kulhudhuffushi MP Yasir Abdul Latheef, and Maafushi Council President Hussain Solah.

The Police confirmed that the Professional Standards Command is investigating the hunger strike by the detainees under their custody. This information has also been shared with the National Integrity Commission (NIC) and the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM).