Arrests in Thinadhoo following court order

Police have started making arrests in Thinadhoo today, following damage caused to Police Stations on 8 February in Thinadhoo.

Police Media Official said that the purpose of the ongoing operation in Thinadhoo is to investigate the damage caused to state property on 8 February. People are being arrested following a court order and subsequent to questioning them, more people who are related to these crimes are being taken into custody.

“We are arresting those who caused damage to state property in Thinadhoo. Every person in Police custody will be given the chance to exercise their legal rights,” the official said.

Gdh. Thinadhoo Island Council President Ahmed Naseer said that the Police have so far arrested ten people. The Police are working independent of any state institute, collecting information from different groups in the island.

Naseer said that protests have taken place against these arrests.

“Police are taking people into custody while they are at work. I don’t think this operation is in collaboration with any government ministry. And the vehicles used by the Police in these operation also belong to people who support the government,” Council President Naseer said. MDP holds majority in Thinadhoo Council.

Police have submitted charges against several people to the Prosecutor General’s Office following the unrest on 8 February. Investigations regarding more than 200 people are ongoing.