Ex-MP Mohamed Ismail’s detention appealed with High Court

Former MP Mohamed Ismail, a senior official at opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) who was arrested in connection to the mob attack on a Yoga Day event in Male’ City last June, has filed an appeal with the High Court over the decision to extend his remand.

Mohamed Ismail was arrested in connection to the case on June 22. The Criminal Court initially extended his remand by seven days, and later by 30 days.

His lawyers filed an appeal with the High Court on Thursday, asking the court to overturn the decision and release him from detention.

The yoga event, organized by the Indian Cultural Center and the Sports Ministry, was held on the morning of June 21, and was attended by dozens of participants, foreign ambassadors including Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, diplomats, and government officials.

A mob of angry protestors had stormed the stadium, and threatened and assaulted some of the participants, and destroyed property.

Police issued a statement the same day stating preliminary investigative findings showed some of the items used by the mob had come from the office of PPM.

Police arrested 21 suspects in connection to the mob attack on the event, including local Islamic scholars Al-Sheikh Adam Nishan and Al-Sheikh Mohamed Fazloon. Some of the suspects, including Fazloon, have since been released.

The case is under investigation by the Serious and Organized Crime Department.