Former Deputy Minister arrested for inciting arson attacks against state institutions

Oct 21, 2026, 11:08 AM

Former Deputy Minister Hassan Zihan has been arrested for Facebook posts inciting arson attacks against several state institutions.

In his posts, Zihan encouraged setting fire to the Supreme Court, the President's Office, and the People's Majlis, remarking that such actions would be "fun." Although the posts were later deleted, they had already drawn public attention.

Police confirmed Zihan's arrest in his home island of Fuvahmulah City following an investigation into the matter. Inciting acts of terrorism, such as arson, are classified as serious criminal offences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Zihan previously served in the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). He was dismissed from his position as a naval architect at the MNDF in mid-2023 during the MDP administration, a government he had frequently and vocally criticised.

Under the current administration, Zihan served as a Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Transport. After being sidelined from his official duties, he was eventually dismissed from the post in 2024. Since his removal, Zihan has been a frequent critic of the current government on social media.

Hassan Zihan Supreme Court President's Office People's Majlis Fuvahmulah City Prevention of Terrorism Act

Comments

Resolution condemns government seizure of council land

Oct 20

Court registers case seeking to overturn decision barring Adhadhu journalists

Oct 15

Supreme Court rejects case seeking to invalidate Rasmale' deal

Oct 13

Resolution demands transparency over Rasmalé deal

Oct 12

Latest News

Next year’s budget is a “big scam”: MP Ameen

MP Ameen Faisal has condemned the government’s proposed 2025 budget as a "scam" designed to deceive the public and plunder national resources. He criticized the lack of progress on past projects despite massive state spending and accused the administration of failing to deliver on its promises to citizens.

MMA chief urges MIRA to audit resorts

MMA Governor Ahmed Munawar has urged the tax authority to audit resorts, noting that only 50 out of 150 currently pay income tax. He questioned the lack of reported profits and announced plans to tighten regulations next year to ensure more tourism-generated US dollars enter the national banking system.

Bill targets social media posts with fines up to MVR 500,000

A new bill submitted to the Maldives Parliament proposes fines up to MVR 500,000 for defamation on social media. The legislation targets both original posters and those who share defamatory content, including gestures and films. If a claim is proven false, courts must award damages between MVR 50,000 and MVR 500,000 to the plaintiff.

Alcohol can be sold in reclaimed islands under Rasmale' zone

The proposed Real Estate Bill allows for the sale and consumption of alcohol and pork on separately reclaimed islands within the Rasmale' zone. While these items remain strictly prohibited in residential and commercial areas, the new framework permits them on adjacent tourism islands to accommodate foreign residents and visitors.

Real Estate Bill grants Rasmale' Project special exemptions

The Real Estate Bill includes a provision exempting the Rasmalé project from competitive bidding and oversight by the ACC and Auditor General. This legal carve-out validates prior deals with UAE’s Eagle Hills, bypassing standard transparency rules. Future projects must meet strict investment criteria but lack the same total exemptions.

Man found dead in parked vehicle in Male'

A 41-year-old man was found dead inside a parked pickup truck in Malé on Saturday morning. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital after being discovered unresponsive. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

"Muizzu knows public would reject Rasmale' deal"

MDP leader Fayyaz Ismail claims President Muizzu is avoiding a public referendum on the Rasmalé land deal because he knows citizens would overwhelmingly reject it. Fayyaz argues the project lacks transparency and warns that future governments may be forced to alter the agreement if it proceeds without public consent.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox