PG office decides not to prosecute individuals arrested at MDP protest

The Prosecutor General's (PG) Office has decided not to press charges against eight individuals who were arrested during the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) major protest held in Malé on October 3.

The eight individuals arrested from the MDP protest include:

·         Yasir Abdul Latheef, Former MP for Kulhudhuffushi North Constituency

·         Hassan Solah, President of Maafushi Council

·         Hussain Zareer, Member of Addu City Council

·         Yaugoob Abdulla, Former MP for Dhaandhoo Constituency

·         Hussain Shakir (from H. Lavenderiya)

·         Ali Jumaan (from HA. Baarah, Kuhlhavah)

·         Mohamed Halaf Ibrahim (from N. Velidhoo, Jawaahirmaage)

·         Aazim Ali (from B. Kendhoo, Noohiri)

The PG Office stated that the police had submitted charges against these individuals for the offenses of intentionally obstructing the work of a law enforcement officer and obstructing the enforcement of law.

However, the PG Office concluded that, based on the evidence available, the actions attributed to the suspects are likely attributable to them exercising a fundamental right.

The Office further stated that since no one was injured and no property was damaged due to the individuals' actions, it was determined that there was no public interest in prosecuting them.

Despite the decision not to prosecute these eight, the PG Office noted that the police are investigating cases involving an additional 10 individuals related to the assembly. A decision on prosecuting those cases will be made once the police investigation is complete.

Seven out of eight arrested during the MDP assembly had their detention extended by 15 days, while the sole released individual, Mohamed Halaf Ibrahim, was let go under conditions due to his student status. The protest, which began at Artificial Beach, escalated into clashes when protesters attempted to march down Majeedhee Magu against police orders, leading to a confrontation where police utilized significant amounts of pepper spray.

The MDP has accused law enforcement of employing excessive force, and the use of a long range acoustic device (LRAD) to disperse the crowd has also stirred controversy.