Imthiyaz Fahmy, the legal counsel for human rights activist Shamoon Jaleel (Lucas), has raised concerns over the prolonged detention of political prisoners by the police, even after court orders have been issued for their release.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Imthiyaz stated that several individuals arrested alongside Lucas during a protest were kept in police custody for many hours after the Criminal Court had ordered their release.
"During the most recent arrests involving Lucas and others, the court ordered the release of several individuals during a hearing held in the afternoon. Despite this, they were only allowed to leave after 1:00 am. This group included several women as well," Imthiyaz said.
Imthiyaz emphasized that holding individuals in police custody without a court order is a blatant violation of the Constitution. He strongly condemned the police's actions in this regard.
"These are direct illegalities and a clear violation of the Constitution. From the moment it is decided that a person can no longer be held in detention, they are a free individual. They should be able to leave the court as a free person. Even if they have to go to the police station to collect their belongings, they must be allowed to leave immediately. They cannot be held there for even a single second," he said.
While the current administration continues to face allegations of making political arrests, President Mohamed Muizzu maintains that no individual has been detained for political reasons under his leadership.
