ACP Riyaz: Religious scholars remanded in custody because there is evidence

Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Riyaz has stated that religious scholars – Sheikh Adam Nishan and Sheik Fazloon Mohamed – arrested in connection to mob attack on the event held at National Stadium on last Tuesday, in celebration of International Day of Yoga, were arrested as there is evidence against both of them.

At a press conference held by the police on Sunday, Sun had questioned whether Sheikh Nishan and Sheikh Fazloon were arrested because there was evidence against them for causing violence or urging violence. However, the question was not answered during the press conference.

When the question was repeated after the press conference concluded – ACP Riyaz said suspects are only remanded in custody when there is sufficient evidence.

In a statement released by Sheikh Nishan following the mob attack – he said that he decided to join the protest against Yoga Day event when he was given assurance that it would be carried out peacefully under his instructions. He detailed that some youths that joined the protest that became extremely angered had stormed the stadium against his instructions.

“When some of the youths that joined the protest began acting against our instructions out of anger – we tried to advise them, control them and move them back,” he had said.

Sheikh Nishan said that when the protest had gone out of control – he had announced its conclusion and left the scene.

At today’s press conference, ACP Shujau said that protestors at the yoga event were given the opportunity to peacefully expressed their views.

The yoga day event, organized by the Indian Cultural Center and the Sports Ministry, had begun at 06:30 am on Tuesday, and was attended by dozens of participants, including foreign ambassadors and diplomats.

A mob of angry protestors stormed the stadium, threatened and assaulted some of the participants, and destroyed property. They were carrying flags containing verses from the Shahada.

Police said in an earlier statement the case was being investigated as a serious matter. They have made 21 arrests in connection to the mob attack as of Sunday.