Two out of 10 individuals arrested during a protest calling for release of journalists, remanded in custody
Police arrested 10 individuals during a protest in Male' on Wednesday night, with a court subsequently remanding two of them into custody. The demonstration, which included supporters from the MDP and PNF alongside senior opposition figures and families of detained journalists, was forcibly dispersed by police, resulting in several injuries and the seizure of protest materials.
Protesters gathered on Wednesday night to demand the release of imprisoned journalists. | MDP Secretariat
The court has extended the detention of two individuals out of the ten arrested during a protest in Malé calling for the release of imprisoned "Adhadhu" journalists, Mohamed Shahuzan and Leevan Ali Nasir.
The MDP stated that a total of 10 individuals were taken into police custody during the protest.
According to the MDP legal team, the suspects were brought before the court on Thursday for a remand hearing. The court ordered Ali Jumaan to be remanded in custody for five days, while Abdulla Shareef was remanded for three days.
The protest, which took place on Wednesday night, commenced at the junction of Chaandhanee Magu and Majeedhee Magu. In addition to senior officials from the MDP, the demonstration was joined by the family members of imprisoned journalists Shahuzaan and Leevan. As the protesters marched east along Majeedhee Magu and gathered at the Artificial Beach area, they were joined by supporters of the PNF.
Although protesters moved from Majeedhee Magu toward Alikilegefaanu Magu, police intercepted the march midway. Following the arrest of one individual in the area, the protesters returned to Chandhanee Magu to continue their demonstration.
Reports indicate that an individual was transported to the hospital after sustaining injuries during a police attempt to disperse protesters. Additionally, a sofa used by the demonstrators was briefly taken into police custody before being returned later.
