Former Deputy Minister Hassan Zihaan Remanded for 15 Days for Inciting Arson at Government Buildings

A court in the Maldives has ordered a 15-day remand for former Deputy Minister of Transport Hassan Zihaan, who was arrested for inciting arson at three state buildings. Zihaan was taken into custody last night after posting on social media suggesting it would be 'fun' if the President's Office, the People's Majlis, and the Supreme Court were set on fire. Police spokesperson Ahmed Shiyam confirmed the extension of his remand to the media. Zihaan, a former First Lieutenant in the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and a graduate of the US Naval Academy, had served as a naval architect before being discharged from the military under the previous government for criticizing it. He was later appointed Deputy Minister by the current government but was subsequently removed from the post. The post inciting arson was deleted from Facebook about an hour after it was made.