Three youths, including a 17-year-old, arrested from Addu for assault

Three youths, including two teenagers, one of them a 17-year-old, have been arrested from Addu City on suspicion of involvement in an assault in the Hithadhoo district.

In a statement on Wednesday, the police said the incident was reported to the authorities at around 10:00 pm July 4. The trio was arrested in connection to the case on Monday.

The two adult suspects were identified as:

• Shiyah Mohamed, 26, Athena, S. Hithadhoo
• Mohamed Mahil Ahmed, 18, Boalhakinkirumaage, S. Hithadhoo

The identity of the 17-year-old hasn’t been disclosed as he is a minor.

All three were remanded in custody of the police for 15 days when presented at court on Tuesday for their remand hearing.

According to the police, the case is being investigated under the Act on Prevention of Gang Crime and other Serious Offences.

The police took the opportunity to warn it will not allow any act that undermines safety and security of local communities, and will not hesitate to take legal action against perpetrators of such crimes.

However, the police did not provide any details regarding the July 4 assault, including whether it resulted in any injuries.

The Act on Prevention of Gang Crime and other Serious Offences, enacted in May 2025, grants law enforcement agencies greater powers to combat gang activity, including the authority to conduct warrantless arrests and searches, and deny suspects legal representation for up to 48 hours.

 During a ceremony held in November 2025 to celebrate his administration’s two-year anniversary, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu declared that there were currently no criminal organizations left that fit the legal classification for “gangs.”

He said that everyone previously engaged in gang-related crime had abandoned it and resumed “normal life.”