The magistrate court in Vilingilli of Gaafu Alif atoll has released eighteen opposition activists arrested from Kolamaafushi.

The same judge that ruled to keep them in remand 11 days ago, reviewed their sentences at the request of their lawyers.

The activists were arrested on 30th August on allegations of creating chaos in the island and destroying property.

While the 18 individuals were arrested for vandalism, they are being tried under terrorism laws in a pre-trial hearing carried out in secret.

The magistrate court said in a statement following the 15-day remand sentence to keep them in custody, that due to the violent nature of the accusation against them, they pose a threat to the community and capacity to influence the trial.

These individuals are all members of the Maldivian Democratic Party who were drawing up banners and hanging flags ahead of president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s campaign visit to the island.

RaajjeMV understands that supporters of the ruling party had obstructed their efforts and begun tearing down the flags that were hung up and when the quarrel escalated, they told the opposition supporters that they would be ‘expelled from the island’.

The Maldivian Democratic Party and its coalition of partners have reiterated their accusation that the ruling party is abusing power and deliberately targeting their members and supporters to silence dissent.