Opposition’s mass rally: Nine arrested, including Nareesh, remanded in custody

Criminal Court, on Saturday, remanded nine individuals arrested from Friday’s ‘Neyva Holhiah’ mass rally by the opposition coalition in police custody – to include Male’ City Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh and former Hoarafushi MP Mohamed Ismail.

PPM’s Spokesperson Heena Waleed told Sun that out of the 17 people arrested in the rally – eight had been released whereas nine have been remanded in custody.

In this regard, Mohamed Ismail was remanded in custody for seven days. Nareesh was remanded in custody for two days.

Apart from Mohamed Ismail and Areesh – seven others that were arrested from the rally were remanded in custody to include some council members of PPM and activists.

‘Neyva Holhiah’ mass rally at Male’ City as part of the ‘India Out’ campaign was held on Friday despite warnings by the police against holding it.  

When the rally had commenced – Police had impeded it, obstructing the participants. A number of civilians and politicians taking part in the rally have been arrested as well.

Male’ City Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh was arrested from the road prior to the commencement of the rally.

Guraidhoo MP Ghassan Maumoon, Maavah MP Mohamed Saeed were also amongst those who had been arrested. Both of them were granted conditional release last night. 

In a statement released by the opposition coalition over the Police’s obstruction of their rally, the coalition condemned the government’s efforts to impede a peaceful demonstration planned, in compliance with the necessary laws.

They also urged to give a chance to carry on with the peaceful demonstration – and also requested to not physically assault civilians participating in the event.