Police have released Adhadhu journalist Leevan Ali Nasir, who was arrested during a protest against the government's proposed legislation to restrict freedom of expression and speech in the Maldives.
Leevan was released from police custody about 30 minutes ago. They previously refused to disclose his location when contacted by Adhadhu lawyers.
Journalists and rights activists, including the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, had demanded his immediate release.
Adhadhu had also informed the international community about his arbitrary arrest during the peaceful protest against the government's draconian bill.
Leevan went missing during the protest this afternoon, but police did not say he was taken into custody.
Adhadhu later obtained a video, which shows three police officers torturing Leevan and dragging him away.
Adhadhu lawyers attempted to find his location, but the police refused to disclose the information, directly violating the laws and the constitution.
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.
