Man Commences Hunger Strike Over Unaddressed Public Nuisance and Institutional Failure

Mohamed Saeed initiated a hunger strike yesterday outside the Henveiru Police Station in response to a persistent public nuisance on Kashimaa Hingun and Dhoohimeri Magu that authorities have reportedly failed to resolve for over 18 months.

Saeed initially began his hunger strike inside the police facility yesterday. After 14 hours, police requested that he leave the premises. He subsequently relocated his protest to the adjacent pavement along Majeedhee Magu, where he is continuing the strike alongside family members.

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According to Saeed, a local resident identified as Ahmed Fairish has continuously disrupted the neighbourhood for the past 18 months. Farish is reportedly struggling with substance abuse.

Saeed alleged that the individual regularly shouts obscenities at pedestrians and obstructs traffic by wheeling bicycles into the street or placing road closure boards across lanes. Furthermore, he is accused of hurling rubbish at residential homes, as well as throwing oil and water from his balcony onto passers-by.

Residents have also reported being struck with plastic bottles and subjected to loud shouting from midnight until dawn. In addition, the suspect has repeatedly trespassed into residential buildings by following tenants through secure entrances.

Despite filing formal reports and submitting video evidence to law enforcement over the 1.5-year period, Saeed stated that government bodies have failed to provide a resolution or protect residents.

Detailing the responses received from state institutions, Saeed noted:

• Maldives Police Service: Informed him that they have exhausted their options regarding the matter, scheduling a briefing for next week.

• National Drug Agency (NDA): Declined to take custody of the individual, stating he does not meet their admission criteria.

• Home for People with Special Needs (HPSN): Stated they cannot take him as he is not diagnosed with a severe mental illness.

• Prosecutor General’s Office: Unable to pursue court action due to insufficient evidence.

In response to the demonstration, the Maldives Police Service stated that staged hunger strikes within police facilities to achieve specific personal outcomes will not be permitted. However, law enforcement assured that police will take all lawful measures within their legal mandate to address the resident’s concerns, while actively collaborating with other relevant state institutions to facilitate additional necessary action.

Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusan met with Saeed on the street last night. While photographs published online show Minister Ihusan speaking directly with Saeed at the site of the protest, the exact details and outcome of their discussion have not been publicly disclosed.

Saeed stated that he will maintain the hunger strike until relevant state institutions take concrete action to restore public safety and address the situation on Kashimaa Hingun and Dhoohimeri Magu.