Raslaan discharged from hospital after suffering heart attack during protest

Mohamed Raslaan, Vice President of the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) Central Hulhumalé constituency, has been discharged from Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) after receiving treatment for a heart attack reportedly triggered by police use of pepper spray during a recent MDP protest.

Eyewitnesses stated that Raslaan was assaulted and pepper-sprayed directly in the face by police officers during the mass gathering. His lawyers claim the incident caused severe breathing difficulties, which ultimately led to the heart attack. He was initially taken to Senahiya Hospital with assistance from the Red Crescent and later transferred to IGMH for further care.

In the aftermath of the incident, IGMH issued a public statement asserting that pepper spray does not cause heart attacks. However, the statement has drawn criticism, with some alleging that the hospital’s stance may have been politically influenced.

Concerns have also been raised over the use of disproportionate force by police in dispersing the protest. Alongside pepper spray, police reportedly deployed a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), a high-intensity sound weapon known to cause psychological distress, hearing damage, and neurological effects.

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), in collaboration with 26 other human rights organizations, issued a joint statement condemning the actions of the Maldives Police Service. The statement criticized the deployment of LRAD and excessive force against what was described as a peaceful protest held in the capital, Malé City on 3 October 2025. It also responded to IGMH’s claim, noting that while a direct scientific link between pepper spray and heart attacks may be disputed, such substances can significantly elevate stress levels, exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, and pose serious risks during high-tension situations.