MDP activist Ali Jumaan remanded for 12 days on terrorism charge over arson incitement

Ali Jumaan, an activist of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has been charged with terrorism and remanded for 12 days in connection with a case involving calls to set fire to buildings and loot a shop. Police said Jumaan, also known as 'Death', was arrested over a case in which calls were made through social media to set fire to some buildings and vehicles and to loot a shop. He was produced before the Criminal Court's remand bench on 23 October. According to the remand order, he faces a terrorism charge. Evidence submitted against him includes a police intelligence report, a police statement, and a report relating to a post made from an X (formerly Twitter) account he is suspected of using. The article notes that a post made from the account a few days earlier had been deleted before his arrest. The court ruled that Jumaan could pose a danger to society if released, and ordered him held for 12 days. The remand period is set to end on the 4th of next month. Jumaan was previously arrested during the MDP's large 'Lootuvi Lootuvi' protest held last October. His arrest follows that of former Deputy Minister Hassan Zihan, who was arrested over inciting arson at the President's Office, the Parliament administration building and the Supreme Court building, and was remanded for 15 days. Under the Maldives' Anti-Terrorism Act, acts that create a situation of serious danger to the public, damage important infrastructure or disrupt public services are defined as acts of terrorism. Committing a terrorist act carries a penalty of 20 to 25 years in prison, while attempting, aiding or participating in such an act carries 17 to 20 years in prison.