Yoga Day violence: Shifaaz denied release, remand extended by 15 days

Criminal Court extended the remand of Mohamed Shifaz, 29, M. Kudhehige, by additional 15 days on Saturday – one of the arrestees in connection to the mob attack on the event held at the national football stadium on June 21, to mark World Yoga Day, that still remains in custody.

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 top PPM politician, former MP Mohamed Ismail, local Islamic scholars Sheikh Adam Nishan and Sheikh Mohamed Fazloon. Most of them including Mohamed Ismail, Fazloon and Nishan have also been released. Shifaz is the only suspect that remains in custody.

When he was presented before the Criminal Court on Saturday for a remand hearing – Judge Ali Adam extended his remand by additional 15 days.

Police had submitted evidence against Shifaz to prove he had entered the national football stadium. They also stressed on the possibility of him therewith having caused violence. The police also submitted evidence to that Shifaz was directly involved in the mob attack.

Police said in an earlier statement the case was being investigated as a serious matter.

A cabinet subcommittee was also constituted to probe the case – which recently presented its finding, making 39 recommendations in five area.  President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih concluded to instruct relevant stakeholders to initiate and implement the recommendations made in the investigative report.