Two arrested during a protest advocating for journalists' rights, released
All individuals detained during the protests for journalists' rights have been released following the expiry of their remand periods, alongside two journalists from Adhadhu who had been serving prison sentences. The government is currently facing widespread criticism for the police's alleged use of disproportionate force in dispersing the demonstrations, while various organizations continue to express deep concern over actions that obstruct the fundamental right to freedom of the press.
Mohamed Shamin and Ali Mushaffau, who were arrested during a protest calling for the release of two Adhadhu journalists, have both been released from custody. | Raajje MV
Mohamed Shamin and Ali Mushaffau, who were arrested during a protest in Male' calling for the release of two journalists from Adhadhu news, were released from custody on Monday.
With the release of these two individuals, everyone detained by the police during the protest in defense of journalists has now been freed.
Although Shamin and Mushaffau were initially detained during a protest for journalists' rights on May 14, police released them later that same day. However, authorities re-arrested the pair three days later, on May 17.
Following their re-arrest, the two suspects were brought before the Criminal Court for a remand hearing, where the court granted a 15-day detention period as requested by the police. Shamin and Mushaffau were released from custody upon the expiry of that remand period.
Furthermore, two journalists from Adhadhu, Mohamed Shahuzan and Leevan Ali Naseer, have been released after completing their prison sentences. With their release, all individuals arrested and sentenced in connection with this case have now been freed.
The government has come under heavy criticism recently following a series of protests organized by the opposition in Male'. Opposition groups have accused the administration of deploying a large number of police officers to the streets as a tactic to intimidate protesters.
Furthermore, many observers have pointed out that the police are using disproportionate force to disperse peaceful street protests. Various organizations have also expressed concern, stating that infringing upon the rights of journalists and obstructing press freedom is unacceptable.
