Court Orders 15-Day Extension of Detention for Man Accused of Calling for Arson

The Criminal Court has ordered an additional 15 days of detention for Ali Jumaa, a 25-year-old from Baarathu, Kullaavaaghe, Haa Alif Atoll, who is accused of calling for arson on buildings and vehicles in the Maldives. Jumaa was arrested by police on October 25, following social media posts in which he encouraged setting fire to certain buildings and vehicles and looting shops. His initial 12-day detention for investigation expired, leading to the court's extension order. According to the detention order, police are accusing Jumaa of terrorism. In his social media posts, Jumaa expressed intolerance towards the government giving land to Jews and called for fires, unrest, and protests. The posts also specifically mentioned looting the Redwave shop belonging to Ahmed Saliem, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis and member of the Aidhufushi constituency. Separately, former First Lieutenant of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and former Deputy Minister Zihan Hassan has also been arrested and detained for 15 days for investigation in a related case of calling for arson at the President’s Office, the People’s Majlis office, and the Supreme Court.