The High Court today ruled that the Criminal Court's order to detain Aishath Shadhiya, who was arrested for protesting near embassies calling for an end to Israel's genocide against Palestinians, is invalid.
Police said Dr. Shazra Ibrahim, 36 and Aishath Shadhiya, 47, were arrested with a court order for repeatedly protesting near diplomatic missions in violation of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act, acting in a manner that disturbs an ambassador and obstructing police duty.
Shadhiya appealed the order at the High Court. The court ruled that the Criminal Court order was in violation of Article 13 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure in Conducting Trials. The court decided that she was detained unlawfully.
The case was heard by a three-judge bench in the High Court. They were presiding Judge Huzaifa Mohamed, Judge Hassan Shafeeu and Judge Abdul Maniu Hussain. The decision was made unanimously.
The High Court also ruled that it was unclear how Shadhiya was a threat to the safety of society as stated in the detention order issued by the Criminal Court.
Shadhiya and Shazra were first remanded in custody for three days and later for five days. They were released from police custody on the condition that they do not stage protests outside embassies in Male'.
