Yoga Day violence: State appeals Sheikh Fazloon’s release

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has appealed the decision by the Criminal Court to release Sheikh Mohamed Fazloon – one of the suspects arrested in connection with the mob attack on the Yoga Day event held in Male’ City last June – from police custody.

The 33-year-old Islamic scholar was arrested on June 22. He was granted conditional release by the Criminal Court on July 21.

PGO confirms it has filed an appeal with the High Court.

However, the court has yet to make a decision on whether it will accept the appeal.

The yoga event, organized by the Indian Cultural Center and the Sports Ministry, was held on the morning of June 21, and was attended by dozens of participants, foreign ambassadors including Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, diplomats, and government officials.

A mob of angry protestors had stormed the stadium, and threatened and assaulted some of the participants, and destroyed property.

Police arrested over 20 suspects in connection to the mob attack on the event, including another local Islamic scholars Sheikh Adam Nishan. While Fazloon was granted conditional release, Nishan’s remand was extended by 16 days last week.