PPM protestor arrested for attacking police

The Criminal Court extended the remand of a young man accused of attacking police officers during a protest held by the opposition Progressive Congress coalition last Thursday.

The 23-year-old man is often seen in the serial protests the opposition coalition has been holding in Male’ since former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s imprisonment in December last year.

He is accused of gathering in a restricted area, obstructing the police from performing their duties, and attacking police officers.

The Criminal Court extended his remand by 15 days on Friday.

Opposition politicians have accused the police of using excessive force in the arrest, and denying the suspect medical attention.

They have shared a video which show two police officers attempt to arrest him as he resists.

One of the officers is seen grabbing the suspect’s right hand tight as he attempts to handcuff him. His wrist is bent backwards.

A second video shows the suspect make an obscene gesture and curse at police officers has he is in the police car, before rushing out of the vehicle.

The police officers detain him again as he resists, kicking one of the officers.

Court documents show he is also accused of biting one of the officers.

According to the police, the suspect has been repeatedly arrested from the opposition’s protests, and has a history of prior arrests for assault.