Two men were taken into police custody around midnight on Thursday with the assistance of members of the public after they were caught cutting down banners hung across Malé protesting government plans to settle non-Muslims in Ras Malé without public consent.
Confirming the arrests, the Maldives Police Service said the two individuals remain in police custody and that authorities are investigating the matter in accordance with established procedures.
Former minister and People’s National Front (PNF) Secretary-General Mohamed Maleeh Jamal confirmed the incident in a post on X. Maleeh said police caught the two individuals responsible for cutting down the banners opposing the sale of Ras Malé, and that police seized the pole used in the act.
Thanking the police for their intervention, Maleeh urged authorities to compel the suspects to rehang the banners and to investigate and identify senior government officials who allegedly funded the act.
The incident preceded a peaceful rally held at 8:30 p.m. last night at Artificial Beach to protest the sale of Ras Malé without a public referendum and the settlement of non-Muslims. Former President Abdulla Yameen, former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, who has announced his candidacy for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary, and former Vice President Faisal Naseem participated in the gathering.
The government signed the commercial terms to sell 500 hectares of Ras Malé, reclaimed from Fushidhiggaru Falhu using state funds, to Eagle Hills on September 21, with reports circulating that the final agreement is expected to be signed later this month.
Saabahey Dhivehi fuluhun. Rasmale vihkumaa dhekolhu banner thah kendi 2 kudhin athulaigenfi. Kendan gengulhunu dhadives hayyaru. Emeehun lahvaa banner thah alun dhamaala dhehvaa. Adhi ekamah fund kuri sarukaaruge bodun hoadhaa dhehvaa. @PoliceMv— Mohamed Maleeh Jamal (@maleehjamal) November 12, 2026
