Hunger Strike by October 3 Detainees Sparks Rights Concerns

Individuals detained following the October 3 protest have begun a hunger strike, according to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which alleges the detainees have been denied medical attention and face prolonged investigation delays.

MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail announced the development on social media, stating that the detainees were protesting the denial of their constitutional rights. “October 3 detainees are currently on hunger strike, as they have been denied proper medical attention and face investigation delays. We call on the authorities to grant them their constitutional rights,” he wrote, using the hashtag #FreeOct3Protestors.

October 3 detainees are currently on hunger strike, as they have been denied proper medical attention and face investigation delays. We call on the authorities to grant them their constitutional rights. #FreeOct3Protestors — Fayyaz Ismail (@faya_i) October 7, 2025

The detainees were among several people arrested during an MDP-led protest in Malé earlier this month. Police accused protesters of violating agreed conditions and obstructing public spaces, while the opposition insists the protest was peaceful and the arrests politically motivated.

In response, the Maldives Police Service confirmed in a statement that its Professional Standards Command is “closely monitoring a hunger strike being carried out by a group of individuals in police custody.” The statement added that information on the matter has been shared with the National Integrity Commission (NIC) and the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM).

Rights advocates and legal observers have urged authorities to ensure detainees’ access to medical care and due process, emphasizing that the state bears responsibility for the welfare of individuals in custody. They warn that continued denial of healthcare and delays in investigation could constitute violations of constitutional and human rights obligations.

The MDP continues to call for the immediate release of the October 3 detainees and for an independent review of their treatment while in custody.