Zahiya’s phone released from police custody after a week

Opposition MDP National Assembly Member Fathimath Zahiya (Zaya) has had her phone returned following its seizure by police last week.

The phone was confiscated after Zahiya posted a warning on social media, tagging police:

“I've started preparing Kandoodhoo chillies spray to prepare for the 17th of next month. Will use it if [pepper spray] is used on us," she wrote.

The post prompted an investigation, and a police media official confirmed to Mihaaru News that Zahiya’s phone was released yesterday. No further details about the investigation were provided.

Police last Friday also seized the phone of opposition activist Aishath Shiman Ahmed for posting a message on X considered threatening towards President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Her phone has not yet been returned.