Maldives Police Service (MPS) has arrested two individuals in connection with the India Out campaign events.
MPS revealed two Maldivians, aged 48 and 42, were arrested in connection with the case. Among the arrested is Mohamed Ismail, the Chair of Activity Committee of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). He is being held on suspicion of committing crimes under Section 533 (a) of the Penal Code - knowingly obstructs, impairs, or perverts the administration of law or other governmental function, and Section 615 of the Penal Code – disorderly conduct. MPS said that the two men arrested are allegedly involved in recruiting more people for the India Out movement, promoting the use of colours and signs of the Indian national flag, and preparing documents and drawings to symbolise India Out.
In a presidential decree issued on April 21, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ordered all relevant state authorities to stop the opposition’s India Out campaign activities, calling it a threat to national security. In the decree, President Solih said that the India Out campaign activities use the right to freedom of expression and gathering to take away the peace and security in the country and undermine the longstanding friendly relations with India. He accused the campaign organisers of purposely attempting to compromise international efforts to maintain peace in the region.
Following the presidential decree, MPS has been confiscating banners related to the India Out campaign in the Greater Male’ Region, including multiple banners from the house of the opposition leader and former President Abdulla Yameen.