The Criminal Court has maintained Sheikh Adam Nishan bin Ali Adam and Sheikh Fazloon Mohamed's detention in connection with the Yoga Day stadium clashes.
The two were initially remanded in custody for seven days after being arrested for entering an event at the Galolhu Stadium to mark International Yoga Day. The remand period expired on Thursday, and they were presented before the court to decide on their remand early Thursday morning.
At the remand hearing, police asked for both to be remanded in custody. Their defense lawyers asked for their release, stating they were not involved in the clashes.
Sheikh Fazloon's lawyer said the police spoke about an intelligence report during the hearing. No evidence was presented that the scholars were involved in the stadium storming, or that they planned or encouraged unrest, he said.
After listening to the arguments of both sides, the judge decided to remand Fazloon in custody for seven days. Sheikh Nishan was remanded in custody for three days.
The two clerics were remanded in custody while a video of Sheikh Fazloon and Sheikh Nishan speaking to protesters, asking them not to create unrest, has been circulating on social media. Many scholars and the public are calling for their release based on the video.
The Islamic Ministry has also suspended their permits to give religious advise.
Twenty-one people have been arrested so far in connection with the Yoga Day clashes. There are still people wanted, police said.
