HRCM meets with detainees from Lootuvaifi rally
HRCM visited six detained MDP protesters at Dhoonidhoo jail who were arrested during the October 3 protest and subsequently launched a hunger strike
Some of the individuals arrested during the October 3 rally
The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) held a meeting on Wednesday with several individuals arrested during the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) protest held on October 3. The detainees, who were remanded for 15 days, are currently being held at Dhoonidhoo jail.
According to HRCM, six detainees were visited as part of the commission’s mandate to monitor the condition of individuals in state custody. The commission has acknowledged that concerns were raised during the meeting and that it is now reviewing the issues brought forward by the detainees.
All six individuals had launched a hunger strike on Tuesday in protest of their detention. While police claim the strike has ended, it remains unclear whether the detainees have actually resumed eating. The hunger strike was reportedly triggered by allegations of unlawful detention, discriminatory treatment, delays in investigation, and lack of access to adequate medical care.
Among those still detained are former parliamentarians Yasir Abdul Latheef and Yaugoob Abdulla, Maafushi Council President Hassan Solah, along with Ali Jumaan, Azmee Ali, and Hassan Shakir. Other protestors, including Addu City Council member Hassan Zareer and Mohamed Khalaf Ibrahim, were released without an extension to their detention, although conditions have been imposed on their release.
The October 3 rally, organized by MDP under the “Lootuvaifi, Lootuvaifi!” banner, drew thousands of participants who attempted to march along Majeedhee Magu. The police responded with what has been widely described as excessive force, deploying pepper spray and, for the first time, using sonic weapons against protestors. The authorities’ heavy-handed tactics have since drawn criticism from rights groups and civil society observers.
The continued detention of political figures and local council members raises ongoing concerns about the government’s commitment to due process, freedom of assembly, and political pluralism in the Maldives.
