Man admits to cutting down anti-Ras Male' banners, claims he was paid by PNC member Fishavin
13 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 17:00Police have apprehended two individuals with public assistance for vandalizing banners displayed in Male' opposing the Ras Male' project. As the government faces serious allegations surrounding the incident, many have expressed concern that the destruction of the banners was a politically motivated act. Meanwhile, 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 opposition to the Ras Male' project. | RaajjeMV
Individuals caught cutting down banners in Male' have confessed to acting on the orders of Mohamed Fishavin, a PNC member and former Male' City Councilor for the North Henveiru constituency. The banners were put up across the capital's streets to protest the government's efforts to grant permanent land ownership to foreigners in Ras Male'.
Two individuals caught cutting down banners have been taken into police custody. Police stated that the suspects are being held while necessary legal procedures and investigations related to the case are carried out.
Two men were taken into police custody on Thursday night in connection with the case, following assistance from members of the public.
Eyewitnesses told RaajjeMV that banners put up across various streets in Malé to protest the Ras Male' project have been vandalized. The witnesses further noted that despite the damage continuing early Thursday evening, police officers 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 and transported away in a patrol car.
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 surfaced that the two men are affiliated with the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) and were paid by the government to carry out the act. Furthermore, one individual involved in the incident claimed they acted under the instructions of Mohamed Fishavin.
Furthermore, several prominent leaders of the national movement have expressed their concerns regarding this matter. They have also called for a formal investigation into the issue and for necessary action to be taken.
Critics argue that the removal of the banners clearly 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. Despite the banners being cut down and vandalized, critics maintained that they would reinstall them and continue to highlight the potential risks and damages the project poses to the nation and its people.
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 significant portion of the Ras Male' project area to Eagle Hills.
