Abbas Adil Riza’s remand extended by 7 days

The Criminal Court has granted a seven-day extension to the remand of Abbas Adil Riza, arrested for calling for the torching of the Indian High Commission in Maldives.

Abbas was arrested on December 25, following a tweet he made.

In the tweet, Abbas alleged that the arson attacks in Addu City in during riots on February 8, 2012 following the fall of former president Mohamed Nasheed’s administration had been at orders from India.

He said the Indian High Commission in Maldives should be torched in retaliation.

The threat prompted heightened security measures at the Indian High Commission.

Abbas had served as the President’s Office spokesperson during former president Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik’s administration, and as head of Maldives Customs Service during former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration.

Abbas’ threat was met with immediate condemnation from all government coalition partners.

Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed said the case would be investigated as a serious matter.