October 3 Protest Detainees Released After Two Weeks in Custody

Six individuals detained following the October 3 “Lootuvaifi” protest organised by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have been released from custody today under conditional terms, nearly two weeks after their arrest.

The Criminal Court on Saturday evening granted conditional release to the detainees, who had been held on remand since the protest in the capital, Malé. Among those freed are former parliamentarians Yasir Abdul Latheef and Yousuf Abdulla, Maafushi Council President Hassan Solah, and former President’s Office staff member Ali Juman, along with two other MDP activists.

According to court documents, the release is subject to conditions requiring the individuals to cooperate with ongoing police investigations, refrain from interfering with evidence, and notify authorities of any change in address.

The protesters were initially arrested during a rally held on October 3 under the theme “Lootuvaifi, Lootuvaifi!” a demonstration that called for an end to alleged government corruption and political interference. The event, which began peacefully near the Artificial Beach area, escalated after clashes between police and protesters, leading to the use of pepper spray and sonic devices to disperse the crowd.

The MDP has accused the police of using excessive force and infringing on the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. The Maldives Police Service, however, maintains that demonstrators violated agreed-upon protest routes and obstructed officers.

With the release of the six detainees, the MDP reiterated its commitment to continue “peaceful political activism” while calling for an impartial investigation into the use of force by security forces.

The case remains under active investigation.