The Criminal Court has freed one person and remanded seven others for 15 days following their arrest from the Lootuvaifi Lootuvaifi (Stop the Looting) rally on Friday night.
The detainees include former MP Yasir Abdul Latheef, former MP Yoosuf Abdulla and Maafushi council President Hassan Solah.
Mohamed Khalif Ibrahim was released on condition that he cooperate with the investigation and seek permission before leaving Male'.
The detainees
- Former MP Yasir Abdul Latheef
- Former MP Yauqoob Abdulla
- Maafushi Council President Hassan Solah
- Addu City Council Member Hassan Zareer
- Ali Juman
- Mohamed Khalif Ibrahim
- Azmi Ali
- Hassan Shakir
More than 2,500 people gathered for the rally at the Artificial Beach in Male' and tried to march along Majeedhee Magu.
But riot police used disproportionate force and pepper-sprayed the crowd. A sonic weapon was also used against protesters for the first time in the country's history.
The rally organisers had planned to march along Male's main road after the rally kicked off at the Artificial Beach. They said the police were informed about the plans.
But police prevented them from peacefully marching across Male'. There were some clashes when protesters tried to go through police lines.
The October 3 protest is the largest anti-government demonstration since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.
Thousands of people from across the country travelled to the capital to take part in the rally and demanded Muizzu's resignation.
