The High Court has ruled that the Criminal Court's decision to extend the detention of 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.
They were arrested on August 28. Their remand was extended twice. Both the orders were appealed in the High Court.
Earlier, the High Court ruled that the Criminal Court's detention 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 High Court today ruled that the remand was also extended 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.
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'.
