Trial for individuals charged in connection with the "Lootuvaifi" mass protest to begin Wednesday
The Criminal Court has scheduled the trial of eight individuals for Wednesday on charges of obstructing police duties during the MDP-led "Lootuvayifi" protest. While seven others were initially implicated in the case, the Prosecutor General's Office declined to pursue charges against them due to insufficient evidence and public interest considerations. The protest, which was forcibly dispersed by police, has drawn significant criticism against the government.
Protesters chant "Lootuvaifi!" during an opposition demonstration.
The trial of eight individuals in connection with the "Lootuvaifi!" protest, held by the MDP on the night of October 3, 2025, has been scheduled for this Wednesday.
The Criminal Court has scheduled the trial to commence at 10:00 AM on Wednesday.
The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that the case involves allegations of gathering and protesting across various streets in Malé in violation of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act. The suspects are accused of causing noise disturbances, obstructing public transport and local businesses, interfering with police duties, and defying lawful police orders.
The individuals charged in this case are:
- Abdulsalam
- Mohamed Hamaid Abdul Ghanee
- Ali Naufal
- Mauroof Zakir
- Aishath Najudha Ali
- Ali Muavvaz
- Fathimath Zahiyya
- Hussain Rasheed
They have been charged with intentional obstruction of a law enforcement officer under Section 532(a) of Law No. 9/2014 (Maldives Penal Code). The charges were filed in court on February 26, 2026.
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, seven additional individuals were suspects in this case. However, their cases have been sent back to the Maldives Police Service due to insufficient evidence to pursue charges and a lack of public interest in prosecution.
The Prosecutor General’s Office further stated that its policy regarding prosecutions related to protests is to pursue charges if there is evidence of physical injury to a person or damage to property. Additionally, the Office clarified that it considers prosecution to be in the public interest if evidence demonstrates that an individual’s actions created a situation where such injury or property damage was likely to occur.
To disperse one of the largest protests in recent history, police deployed pepper spray and a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), a specialized tool that emits high-pitched, piercing sounds. President Muizzu’s administration is now facing widespread criticism for the use of excessive force in breaking up the demonstration.
