MDP legal team meets October 3 protest detainees
Six individuals remain detained for 15 days without formal charges following opposition protests in Malé City
Police forcefully arresting former MP Yaugoob during the Lootuvaifi protest held on October 3, 2025.
The legal team of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) met on Monday with several individuals arrested during the opposition-led "Lootuvaifi!" protest held in the capital Malé City on the night of October 3.
According to the party, the detainees remain in strong spirits despite continued detention without formal charges. MDP Legal Director Ahmed Mauroof stated that the arrested individuals reported concerning lapses in the provision of essential services while in custody, including access to basic healthcare, services that the state is obligated to provide under the law.
Currently, six individuals remain detained, with the Criminal Court having extended their custody for 15 days. No formal charges have been filed against them.
MDP has condemned the arrests as politically motivated and is demanding the immediate release of those held without charge. The party maintains that these detentions are part of a broader attempt to suppress political dissent. Support for the detainees has extended beyond Malé City, with solidarity gatherings reported on several islands.
The detentions have also raised questions about President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to democratic principles. Upon assuming office, Muizzu pledged not to target or imprison individuals for political reasons, yet opposition figures point to the current arrests as a clear contradiction of that promise.
A court hearing to review the detention of those still in custody is scheduled for Tuesday at the Criminal Court, drawing close attention from both local and international observers concerned about the state of political freedoms in the country.
