Abbas Adil Riza released from custody

Abbas Adil Riza, who was arrested in December for encouraging an arson attack on the High Commission of India in the Maldives, has been released from police custody.

Police said that Abbas was granted conditional release by the Criminal Court during a hearing to extend his remand.

Abbas was arrested over a tweet encouraging an arson attack on the High Commission of India in the Maldives on December 25^th. He was first remanded in police custody for five days, with extension of remand by seven days on two occasions.

Abbas, in a tweet, alleged that arson was committed at Addu City during the unrest by members of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on February 8, 2012 after then-President Mohamed Nasheed’s government was overthrown, was on the orders of India. Noting that revenge has yet to be taken over the matter, Abbas called to set ablaze the Indian High Commission in the Maldives.

Security measures were increased at the High Commission subsequently.

Abbas served as the government spokesperson during former President Mohamed Waheed’s administration and as the State Minister for Finance and Customs Commissioner during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s administration.

Encouragement of the arson attack has been condemned by all political parties of the government.

Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed has described Abbas’ tweet as an act of terrorism. On this note, he said that encouragement of terrorism will be investigated as very serious matters.