The Prosecutor General's (PG) office has decided not to prosecute seven people arrested in connection with the October 3 protest held by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in Male'.
In a statement on November 18, the PG office said police requested charges of intentionally obstructing the work of a law enforcement officer and obstructing the administration of law.
But the PG office has decided not to press charges because it is not in the best interest.
The PG office said the decision was taken because the suspects committed the acts while exercising a fundamental right and their actions did not cause injury to anyone or damage to property.
Police arrested eight people from the October 3 protest. However, only six of them were remanded in custody for 15 days. Police requested to extend their detention by 15 more days, but the judge decided to release them.
Thousands of people flooded the Artificial Beach in Male' on October 3 and tried to peacefully march along Majeedhee Magu. But riot police used pepper spray and sonic weapons against the demonstrators.
