MDP highlighted that the government obstructed the peaceful protest organized by skipjack tuna fishermen to advocate for their rights.
Some members of the MDP leadership at the Criminal Court area, calling for the immediate release of MP Mauroof Zakir
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has issued a statement asserting that the extension of the detention period for individuals arrested during the peaceful protest by fishermen was a result of government influence.
In a press statement, MDP highlighted that the government obstructed the peaceful protest organized by skipjack tuna fishermen to advocate for their rights.
During this protest, a total of eight individuals, including MP for Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, were unlawfully arrested.
Further, MDP referenced Article 48 (d) of the Constitution, which stipulates that any person detained on suspicion of an offense must be brought before a judge within 24 hours of arrest to determine the legality of their detention. However, the party noted that out of those arrested, only four individuals were presented before the Criminal Court for a decision regarding their detention.
The remaining four individuals were held in custody without being brought before a court for a detention decision, a practice MDP states is a direct violation of the Constitution.
In addition to this, when the Maldives Police Service (MPS) presented the four individuals to the Criminal Court on Saturday for a decision on their detention, the court ordered that each person be held in custody for an additional five days.
MDP further stated that despite the court's order, the police failed to provide any clear evidence linking the individuals to the alleged offenses during the detention hearing.
Further, the statement emphasized that the police could not articulate any legal grounds necessitating their continued detention.
However, in contravention of the Constitution, the Criminal Procedure Act, and established judicial norms, the court proceeded to extend the detention period.
MDP condemned this decision, characterizing it as a breach of the Constitution and a direct result of political influence exerted by the government.
MDP has urged the government to immediately release all individuals who have been unlawfully detained in violation of the Constitution.
