Dr. Ali Zahir: Unjustly mistreating one scholar equivalent to mistreating all

Prominent religious scholar Dr. Ali Zahir bin Saeed Gasim has stated that mistreating one scholar unjustly in a religious matter is equivalent mistreating all scholars.

Two religious scholars – Al-Sheikh Adam Nishan and Al-Sheikh Fazloon bin Mohamed – were arrested in connection to the mob attack on the event held at the national football stadium on June 21, to mark World Yoga Day.

Expressing concern over their arrests – Dr. Ali Zahir said the imprisonment of two religious scholars that were vocal against the practice of yoga before they had participated in the mob attack was absolutely unacceptable.

“Unjustifiably mistreating a scholar in a religious matter is an act that is equvialant to mistreating all scholars,” his tweet read.

Including Sheikh Nishan and Sheikh Fazloon – a total of 21 arrests were made in connection to the mob attack. Out of the 21 suspects -  six suspects were released from custody on Monday.

A police spokesperson told Sun six of the suspects were released on Monday after completing necessary investigations. However, their identities were undisclosed.

The yoga event, organized by the Indian Cultural Center and the Sports Ministry, was held on the morning of June 21, and was attended by dozens of participants, foreign ambassadors including Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, diplomats, and government officials.

A mob of angry protestors had stormed the stadium, and threatened and assaulted some of the participants, and destroyed property.

Police said in an earlier statement the case was being investigated as a serious matter.

On the day of attack, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, via a tweet, said that the perpetrators will be brought before justice.

A sub-committee of the cabinet was also formed to probe the matter.