Two arrested in case where alleged thief was thrown into sea

Two individuals have been arrested in a case where an alleged thief was badly injured and then thrown into the sea.

Police have said that the two in question who were arrested are Ahmed Shareef, 50 (B. Hithaadhoo, Andhaleebuge) and Ahmed Hathim, 49 (L. Isdhoo, Bluekiyaage).

Police also said that the two individuals were sentenced to 15 days in prison upon being taken to court.

A video that has circulated on social media show that the alleged thief was surrounded by a number of people and thrown onto the ground. The man made little effort in defending himself as he was physically assaulted. The video also showed an individual who was wearing a safety shoe proceeded to step on the alleged thief's arm and press down on it.

The alleged thief was dragged across the pavement while he was shirtless, and then was thrown into the sea. 

A statement released by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) read that as videos of physical and psychological harm towards those alleged of robbery are being made public, they request such videos that shows uncivilized and inhumane acts not be shared.

As per HRCM, as long as an individual has not been convicted of a crime, they are to be regarded as innocent as Islamic law and Maldives' constitution grants this as a basic right.

The statement continues by saying that establishing vigilante justice will only harm the community and incite fear. It also states that such actions will weaken the law and foster revenge culture.