MDP rally detainees on hunger strike over denial of medical treatment in custody

Six individuals affiliated with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), arrested during an anti-government demonstration last Friday night, have initiated a hunger strike at Dhoonidhoo Custodial Jail, citing the denial of medical treatment.

Fayyaz Ismail, Chairman of MDP, conveyed via a post on X, concerns regarding the delayed investigation of those apprehended at the party's rally, coupled with the absence of medical care for the detainees.

Fayyaz further stated that, as a result, the detainees have commenced a hunger strike, and he urged authorities to uphold their rights.

In response, police also issued a statement on Tuesday evening, saying the agency is 'closey minitoring' the hunger strike.

ފުލުހުންގެ ބަންދުގައި ތިބި ބަޔަކު ބަނޑުހައި ހޫނުކަމުގެ ހަޅުތާޅު ކުރުމާ ގުޅޭ pic.twitter.com/alnZauurt3

— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) October 7, 2025

Among those taken into custody at the MDP's 'Lootuvaifi' protest on Friday evening were former parliamentary members and incumbent island councillors. These include former Kulhudhuffushi North MP Yasir Abdul Latheef, former Dhaandhoo MP Yaugoob Abdullah, Maafushi Council President Hassan Solah, and Addu Hithadhoo Rasgedhara Councilor Hassan Zareer.

MDP Condemns Denial of Legal Counsel and Continued Detention of Peaceful Protestershttps://t.co/2MNg7sUOxU pic.twitter.com/QuKKQjzTNy

— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) October 6, 2025

Initially, eight individuals were apprehended during the rally. Zareer and Mohamed Khalaf Ibrahim, also arrested at the event, have since been released. Khalaf stated that his arrest occurred while he was returning home from college, having inadvertently become entangled amidst the protestors.

The arrested individuals are currently in custody for a period of 15 days. The MDP has previously expressed concerns that these detainees have been denied access to legal counsel.