Two Arrested for Cutting Anti-Ras Malé Banners in Malé

Two men who were cutting banners displayed on the streets of Malé with slogans opposing the government's efforts to settle people of other religions in Ras Malé have been taken into police custody with the help of the public. According to information received, the two men were cutting the banners using a sharp object fixed to a pole. A group of members of the public who saw the scene followed behind them on a motorcycle and requested police assistance, and the two men were arrested at around midnight, some of the people who saw the scene told Adhadhu. The police have not made an official statement regarding this matter. Although the police also took possession of the instrument used to cut the banners, former Minister and PNF Secretary General Mohamed Maleeh Jamal 'Ex' said in a post on X that two people who cut banners in opposition to the sale of Ras Malé have been taken into custody, and that the pole used to cut the banners has also been taken into police custody. Thanking the police, Maleeh also requested that the police have the banners re-put up and find the government leaders who funded it. In addition, Sobah Rasheed said in a post on X that banners have been cut and put up in a sustained effort to raise the voice of the people against giving Ras Malé to Ali Alabar. He also called for thinking about how matters would be handled if settled, and said that this matter reveals the extent of the influence exerted while the law giving 500 hectares did not pass and the agreement was not signed. Some other people have also criticized this matter. A peaceful gathering to express the public's existing dissatisfaction over the sale of Ras Malé and to raise their voice against the sale of Ras Malé without going to a vote of no confidence, and against the settlement of people of other religions, will be held tonight at 8:30 at Artificial Beach. Former President Abdulla Yameen, former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail — who has announced he will contest the MDP presidential primary — and former Vice President Faisal Naseem have announced that they will participate in this gathering. The commercial terms for the sale of the 500-hectare Ras Malé being reclaimed and built on Fushi Dhiggaru Falhu with state funds to Egal Hills were signed on September 21. There are voices circulating that the permanent agreement will be signed in November.