Detaining individuals for extended periods even after a court has ordered their release is a dangerous precedent: Imthiyaz

Former Member of Parliament and legal counsel Imthiyaz Fahmy has raised serious concerns over the continued detention of peaceful protesters, stating that individuals are being held for extended periods even after courts have ordered their release. He described this practice as a dangerous precedent.

During a press conference held on Monday, Fahmy expressed grave concern over the arrest of social media activist Shamoon Jaleel (Lucas) during a protest in defense of press freedom. He further condemned the police for obstructing gatherings and arresting individuals participating in peaceful demonstrations.

Fahmy stated that excessive force, disproportionate to the situation, is being utilized, resulting in significant violations of citizens' rights.

Fahmy highlighted a concerning trend where individuals detained during peaceful protests remain in custody for extended periods despite court orders for their release. He described this practice as a dangerous and unconstitutional act, asserting that it cannot be permitted. He further emphasized that once a court orders a person's release, they must be considered free immediately.

However, as the police have failed to act in this manner, Inti urged that the matter be submitted to the relevant institutions to seek the protection of rights.

At the same time, I must highlight a very serious and concerning issue. Judges have been ordering the release of several individuals detained during these peaceful protests. For instance, these orders are often issued during court hearings held in the afternoon. However, these individuals are not actually released from their cells until the early hours of the morning, sometimes as late as 1:30 AM or 3:00 AM. Most recently, during the arrests involving Lucas Jalyl and others, the court ordered the release of several detainees during a session held around midday. Despite this, they were only able to walk free after 1:00 AM. It is important to note that this group included several women as well.

Former Member of Parliament and legal professional Imthiyaz Fahmy (Inthi) has stated.

Referring to Fahmy's remarks, Lucas stated that although the court had ordered the release of those detained during the peaceful protest, they were held in small cells at the Atholhuvehi detention center for an extended period. He further noted that the detainees were only released after they began a loud protest within the facility, and only after the demonstrations in Malé had concluded for the night.

At that time, there were ten of us held at the Atollvehi detention center. By that afternoon, following court hearings that had been ongoing since midday, the court had already ordered the release of most of the detainees. However, I believe that due to the protests occurring in Male' that night, we were kept confined in the small cells of Atollvehi until 1:00 a.m., despite the judge's order for our release. The detainees were eventually released that night after staging a major protest within their cells. They were calling for the resignation of senior police leadership, banging on the gates, and conducting a very intense demonstration. However, this was not visible to anyone outside.

Social media activist Shamoon Jaleel (Lucas)

Lucas was arrested on the night of October 13 while protesting against the arrest of journalists during a demonstration at the junction of Majeedhee Magu and Chaandhanee Magu. The court has remanded him in custody for 10 days. Police stated that those detained during the protest were taken into custody for disobeying lawful orders.

He was released on May 24, 2026, following the completion of his sentence.