116 May Day detainees released, 129 facing charges
12 May 2015, 4:57 PM
Ismail Humaam Hamid
Some 116 people out of a 193 arrested from an antigovernment protest on May 1 have now been released, but the police is seeking charges against some 129 individuals.
The Prosecutor General (PG) office says it is researching the police’s claims, and will decide on prosecution shortly. Protesters face charges of disobedience to order and obstruction of police duty, offences that carry a MVR 3000 fine or six-month jail term.
Approximately 20,000 protesters took to the streets on May 1, demanding the release of ex-president Mohamed Nasheed and ex-defence minister Mohamed Nazim. But violent clashes erupted when protesters attempted to enter Malé’s main Republic square at dusk.
Police used tear gas, pepper spray and stun grenades to disperse protesters. Two police officers were also beaten by protesters resulting in indiscriminate arrests.
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