Charges filed against MP Mauroof and two others in connection with "Lootuvaifi!" rally

Police have forwarded cases to the Prosecutor General’s Office seeking charges against Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, and two other members of the MDP. The charges are in connection with the "Lootuvaifi!" protest organized by the MDP on the night of October 3, 2025.

In addition to Mauroof, the police have also requested the Prosecutor General’s Office to press charges against Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), a member of the MDP National Congress, and Abdul Salaam of Maafolheyvilla, N. Holhudhoo.

According to the case completion documents submitted by the police, all three individuals are accused of obstructing officers attempting to disperse an unlawful assembly. Police stated that the case was forwarded for prosecution on allegations of participating in illegal gatherings and loud protests across various areas of Male'. The suspects are further accused of obstructing public transport, disrupting businesses, interfering with police duties, and disobeying lawful orders while hindering officers from fulfilling their mandates.

In a post on X regarding the matter, MP Mauroof stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu must accept the reality that bringing charges against him will not hinder the MDP's campaign for the upcoming local council elections. Furthermore, Mauroof asserted that the President must acknowledge that the public will not grant him a "yes" vote in the proposed referendum.

Several individuals, including members Mauroof, Zahiyya, and Salaam, were arrested during the "Lootuvaifi!" protest organized by the MDP. A total of eight people were taken into custody on allegations of disobeying police orders, obstructing law enforcement officers in the line of duty, and damaging police equipment during the demonstration. When seven of the detainees were brought before the court for a remand hearing, the court ordered six individuals to be remanded in custody for 15 days, while one person was released under specific conditions.

Police cordoned off the area with barricades as protesters attempted to exit Artificial Beach and enter Majeedhee Magu. Several individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries during the ensuing confrontations between police and protesters as authorities moved in to control the demonstration.

To disperse one of the largest protests in recent history, police deployed pepper spray and, for the first time, utilized a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)—a specialized tool that emits high-pitched, piercing frequencies. President Muizzu’s administration has faced widespread criticism following the crackdown, with many accusing the police of using excessive force to break up the demonstration.