Yoga Day violence: Remand extension of two scholars appealed to High Court

The extension of the remand period of two religious scholars arrested in connection to the mob attack on the event held at the national football stadium on June 21, to mark World Yoga Day, has been appealed to High Court.

Al-Sheikh Adam Nishan and Al-Sheikh Fazloon bin Mohamed were arrested in connection to the mob attack on June 22.

Following Criminal Court’s decision to extend the remand of two scholars – an appeal was lodged at High Court, requesting to review the decision. High Court has yet to decide on whether they will accept the appeal or not.

Police have previously stated that the remand of both scholars were extended as there was evidence against them.

In a statement released by Sheikh Nishan following the mob attack – he said that he decided to join the protest against Yoga Day event when he was given assurance that it would be carried out peacefully under his instructions. He detailed that some youths that joined the protest that became extremely angered had stormed the stadium against his instructions.

“When some of the youths that joined the protest began acting against our instructions out of anger – we tried to advise them, control them and move them back,” he had said.

Sheikh Nishan said that when the protest had gone out of control – he had announced its conclusion and left the scene.

The yoga day event, organized by the Indian Cultural Center and the Sports Ministry, had begun at 06:30 am on June 21, and was attended by dozens of participants, including foreign ambassadors and diplomats.

A mob of angry protestors had stormed the stadium, and threatened and assaulted some of the participants, and destroyed property. They were carrying flags containing verses from the Shahada.

Police said in an earlier statement the case was being investigated as a serious matter.