The Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office has decided to withdraw charges against the youth protest leaders Aishath Shimon and Mahzoom Majid.

They led youth protests in Male' earlier this year to demand justice for a 21-year-old woman who was left to die on a rooftop after falling from a building.

The PG office said the charges were withdrawn after a review of the case, as they had no criminal records and did not harm any person or property.

Shimon was charged under Section 532 of the Penal Code, which states that it is an offence to intentionally prevent or obstruct a law enforcement officer.

Mahzoom was charged with assaulting or injuring a police officer.

The PG office pressed charges against them on June 25 and the Criminal Court scheduled to begin the trials on November 24.

The PG office offered a plea deal, but they rejected the offer because it forces them to admit guilt.

They were arrested during the peaceful protest after authorities claimed they were disrupting businesses and inconveniencing students.

Police used excessive force during the arrest, and both of them sustained various injuries. However, medical care was delayed.

They were remanded in custody, but were later released due to public pressure.