Saturday marked 15 days since six individuals were arrested and jailed following the large-scale protest organized by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in Malé City on October 3. The continued detention of the rally-goers without formal charges has sparked growing public anger, with many viewing it as a clear sign of authoritarian overreach by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.

Critics argue that holding individuals for such an extended period without pressing charges highlights the government's disregard for basic legal norms and due process. Despite formal requests by legal representatives to review the detention, the court has extended the custody period, citing that “the situation has not changed”, a vague justification that has only intensified criticism.

Some of the detainees even began a hunger strike to protest what they describe as unlawful imprisonment, raising concerns about their health and the broader erosion of civil liberties under the current administration.

Legal observers have pointed out irregularities in how the case has been handled. MDP’s Legal Director, Ahmed Mauroof, has indicated that the court’s approach to the detention review was inconsistent with established legal standards, despite the fact that all six individuals have cooperated fully with the investigation.

They were arrested during a protest that saw significant police intervention. While several others, including Addu City Council member Hassan Zareer and Mohamed Khalaf Ibrahim, were also arrested during the protest, they have since been released.

The prolonged detention of these individuals, particularly in the absence of formal charges, is being seen as part of a broader pattern of political repression.

As pressure mounts, human rights advocates and opposition supporters are calling for the immediate release of the detainees and demanding accountability for what they describe as politically motivated persecution.