Zaya, two others summoned to police over Lootuvaifi rally

Three members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), including Fathimath Zahiya (Zaya), have been summoned to appear before police in connection with the party’s Lootuvaifi rally held in Male’ City on October 3.

According to police summons, Zaya and two others, Mohamed Hameed Abdul Ghani and Aishath Najda Ali, are being investigated for allegedly gathering illegally in various parts of the city, obstructing public transport, and disrupting businesses. They are being summoned to provide investigative statements and for CCTV photo comparisons.

Mohamed Hameed was scheduled to appear at 16:00 on Wednesday, while Zaya and Najda were ordered to appear at Galolhu Police Station on Thursday at 11:00 and 09:00 respectively.

This follows the conditional release of six MDP members who were arrested during the rally and held at Dhoonidhoo Custodial Jail. They were released on Sunday after being remanded for 15 days on charges including obstruction and damage to police gear.

The rally, which began at Artificial Beach and attempted to march along Majeedhee Magu, was blocked by police for allegedly deviating from the approved route. Clashes ensued, with police deploying pepper spray and sound cannons to disperse protestors.

MDP has condemned the crackdown, calling the arrests politically motivated and part of a broader suppression of peaceful protest. The party continues to organize nationwide demonstrations demanding justice for its members.