Cases of 29 protesters forwarded to PG

Maldives Police Service has forwarded 29 cases to the Prosecutor General’s Office, seeking prosecution of individuals arrested during the recent series of protests staged by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the capital Male'.

Up until Monday night, police arrested a total of 65 individuals from the protests, which began on 24th October following the Supreme Court injunction to postpone the second round of the presidential election.

Supreme Court on Monday annulled the results of the first round of the presidential election, ordering the Elections Commission to hold the election again before 20th October.

Three individuals were arrested from last night’s protests. Everyone arrested during the protests since the 24th were taken under custody for obstructing police duties and disobeying orders, police said.

Out of the 65 individuals arrested in total, 12 individuals were released within 24 hours of the arrest without being produced before a court, while 9 individuals were produced before a court and released on court orders. The courts released 11 individuals with orders not participate in street gatherings, and another 30 individuals were held back after the courts extended their detention periods.

MDP has ceased the protests following the Supreme Court verdict on Monday.