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.
