Court releases 18 arrested from Kolamaafushi

The 18 suspects accused of vandalizing the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) center at G. A. Kolamaafushi have been released from detention by the G. A. Vilingili Court.

The 18 suspects were arrested on September 18, ahead of the presidential election, and remanded to 15 days in detention.

Attorney Ahmed Nazim Abdul Sattar has confirmed the 18 suspects have been released from detention following a petition filed to review their detention.

Their release comes after the sweeping victory by opposition’s candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom at the presidential elections held on September 23.

Several political figures held indefinitely by the police have been released by Criminal Court following Ibu’s victory. They include Dhangethi MP Ilhaam Ahmed, South Machangolhi MP Abdulla Sinan, Kinbidhoo MP Abdulla Riyaz and former Commissioner of Police Ahmed Areef.