Social media activist Ahmed Ashraf, commonly known by his online handle “Shumba Gong”, was released from house arrest on Monday.
Ashraf was placed under house arrest charged with threatening ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s former council member, Zahid Rameez, over phone and social media on multiple occasions. Ashraf also served jail time for his threats.
Criminal Court allowed Ashraf’s release during the court hearing held this Monday, on his lawyer’s request. The state did not resist the decision passed by the court to grant Ashraf's total freedom. Although Ashraf has been released, the court has yet to announce the verdict in reference to the investigation into his threats.
Ashraf was arrested in Sri Lanka and brought to Maldives in 2015 following an announcement calling for his arrest regarding the explosion on former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s speedboat. However, the state did not press any charges against Ashraf relating to this case.
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