Police have brutally arrested Adhadhu journalist Leevan Ali Nasir for peacefully protesting against the government's proposed legislation to restrict freedom of expression and speech in the Maldives.
Leevan went missing during the protest this afternoon, but police refused to clarify his whereabouts. But Adhadhu can now confirm that the young journalist was taken into police custody.
Adhadhu has also obtained a video, which shows three police officers torturing Leevan and dragging him away.
Journalists and members of the public have been protesting against the draconian media control bill, and police have continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protesters.
Police officers were seen pushing down protesters and stepping on their bodies. Protesters sustained multiple injuries, while some had their clothes torn off and media equipment damaged.
The bill was proposed by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, who sits in the parliament as an independent MP. But the government has been actively promoting the bill with a disinformation campaign about its provisions.
