Two arrested for cutting down banners displayed on streets in protest against Ras Male' project
13 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 08:49Police have apprehended two individuals with the assistance of the public for vandalizing banners displayed in Male' in opposition to the Ras Male' project. As public concern grows amid allegations that the act was carried out under government influence, a major protest against the project is scheduled to take place this Friday night at Artificial Beach.
Police have taken two individuals into custody for cutting down banners displayed across the streets of Male' in protest against the Ras Male' project. | RaajjeMV
Police have taken two individuals into custody for cutting down banners displayed across the streets of Male'. The banners were put up to protest the government's efforts to grant permanent land plots to foreigners in Ras Male'.
Two men were taken into police custody on Thursday night with the assistance of members of the public.
Eyewitnesses informed RaajjeMV that banners put up across various streets in Male' to protest the Ras Male' project have been vandalized. The witnesses further noted that despite the damage occurring early Thursday night, police officers present at the scene remained bystanders and made no attempt to arrest those responsible.
Witnesses reported that late Thursday night, two individuals were caught by members of the public while using a sharp object attached to a long pole to slash banners. According to bystanders, the suspects were subsequently taken into custody by police officers who arrived at the scene and transported them away in a police vehicle.
Videos circulating on social media show police seizing the poles used to display the banners. Meanwhile, members of the public gathered at the scene leveled serious allegations against the government.
Allegations have been made that the two men are members of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) and that they carried out the act under government funding.
Furthermore, several prominent leaders of the national movement have expressed their concerns regarding this matter. They have also called for a formal investigation and for necessary action to be taken.
Critics argue that the removal of these banners alone demonstrates the extent of government influence over the matter. They contend that the administration, aware of the widespread public opposition to the project, is attempting to exert pressure on citizens through various means. Furthermore, opponents asserted that despite the banners being cut down or damaged, they will be re-installed. They maintained their commitment to highlighting the potential risks and negative impacts the project poses to both the nation and its people.
The police were unavailable for comment regarding this matter.
A major protest led by the National Movement will be held at the Artificial Beach this Friday at 8:30 p.m. to oppose the permanent allocation of a large area of the Ras Male' project to Eagle Hills.
