Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) activist Mohamed Shamin, who is known to lead MDP protests, has been arrested at Velana International Airport (VIA).

The Criminal Court's sentence reads that Shamin, 41, was arrested for allegedly causing unrest, obstructing a law enforcement officer, crossing the barricade set up to close off the corner of the road connecting Chaandhanee Magu and Didi Goalhi and entering the area that was closed off during an MDP protest on 28th August.

Shamin, who also works as a taxi driver, was arrested at the airport after he had dropped a passenger off.

Evidence for the case includes an intelligence report from the police, CCTV footage snapshots and statements from the police officers who were at the scene.

MDP has begun a series of protests opposing the amendment to the Foreign Currency Act where 40 percent of the revenue generated in foreign currency by resorts and guesthouses is to be exchanged at banks every month and the dismissal of staff from state-owned enterprises (SOE).

A member of MDP's National Council was also arrested in connection to the protest, with their remand being extended. They were conditionally released yesterday after their remand expired.