MDP legal director criticises court for extending detention of protesters without establishing risk factors

The Criminal Court has extended the remand of Mohamed Shamin and Ali Mushaffau by an additional 15 days.

MDP Legal Director Ahmed Mauroof said in a post on social media that Judge Ali Adam ordered the extension after hearing the case on Sunday. Mauroof criticised the decision, saying the judge proceeded in line with the police request without fully hearing the defence lawyers.

He said the court had not established any grounds to justify continued detention, including whether the two posed a threat to public safety or a risk of absconding.

Shamin and Mushaffau were arrested on allegations of participating in protests held across Male' in violation of the Freedom of Assembly Act, obstructing police officers, and disrupting public transport and businesses.

Protesters Shamin and Mushaffau remanded for an additional 15 days in prison by the Criminal Court.
Judge Ali Adam didn't want to listen fully to what defense lawyers tried to say; instead, he ordered exactly as the police requested.
It wasn't established why they needed to be…

— Ahmed Mauroof (@ahmedmauruf) May 17, 2026

Police have recently dispersed several protests organised by the opposition MDP and PNF. The demonstrations have called for the protection of journalists’ rights and the release of two journalists, Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Naseer, who were jailed under a Criminal Court order.

Police have stated that legal action will be taken against those who organise rallies outside designated areas without written permission.