No arrests yet, nearly two weeks into attack on MP Zareer

The police say they have yet to make an arrest in the attack on Hassan Zareer, nearly two weeks since the parliamentary representative for Mathiveri constituency was physically assaulted in Male’.

The attack on Zareer took place in Male’ on the night of June 18. Zareer told Sun the next day that he was now doing fine, but declined to share any details, citing the ongoing nature of the police investigation.

The police said they were investigating the case, but haven’t disclosed any details regarding the incident.

A police spokesperson told Sun on Thursday morning that they have yet to make an arrest in the case.

Zareer, a lawmaker who famously defected from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to the now-ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) three years back, was the victim of a similar assault back in 2023.

Zareer had been at the Habibi Café’ and Bistro in Galolhu district of Male’ City, when he was attacked by a group of five men.

The incident took place at around 03:30 am on May 1, 2023.

Zareer sustained head injuries in the attack, and was hospitalized at the ADK Hospital.

The police filed charges against three people in the case, including Ibrahim Abdulla (Gabbarey), a member of the MDP’s national council.

But the court cleared the trio, after Zareer retracted his statement. He also urged the police to release Gabbarey, who he called a “close friend.”