PGO Drops Charges Against Detained Over MDP 3 October Protest
MDP supporters hang a street-side banner bearing photos of the 3 October protest detainees, calling for their release. | Photo: MDP
The Prosecutor General’s Office has decided not to file charges against the people arrested during the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s 3 October protest in Malé City, citing concerns over fundamental rights and lack of harm caused.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) said police had requested that those arrested be charged with obstruction of duty and obstruction of justice in connection with the demonstration. After reviewing the files, prosecutors concluded that the legal threshold for prosecution had not been met and that no charges would be pursued.
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PGO media official Ahmed Shafeeu said on his X account that the decision was based on concerns over violations of the individuals’ fundamental rights, noting that their actions during the protest had not resulted in harm or damage to any person or property.
Six of the suspects arrested on the night of 3 October were remanded in custody for 15 days. Addu City Council members Hassan Zareer and Mohamed Halaf Ibrahim were released from custody without an extension of their remand period. With the latest decision, none of those detained in relation to the protest will face criminal charges.
The other six people arrested from the protest are:
- Former North Kulhudhuffushi MP Yasir Abdul Latheef
- Maafushi Council President Hassan Solah
- Former Dhaandhoo MP Yauqoob Abdulla
- Hussain Shakir
- Ali Juman
- Azim Ali
The Prosecutor General’s Office said that police are investigating 10 more people in connection with the rally and that, once the investigation is complete, it will decide whether to pursue charges.
The MDP has accused the police of abusing their powers in dispersing the protest, alleging that officers used sharp weapons to break up the demonstration.
