The Criminal Court on Tuesday extended the remand of Sheikh Adam Nishan bin Ali Adam, who was arrested in connection with the Yoga Day unrest.
On June 21, a group stormed the National Stadium while an event to mark International Yoga Day was ongoing. The event was held despite religious scholars advising against it, as yoga is considered impermissible in Islam under several fatwas. Twenty-one people, including two religious scholars, were arrested. Since then, six people have been released thus far. The detention of the remaining arrestees has been extended repeatedly.
The police said Sheikh Nishan was produced in front of the Criminal Court on Tuesday to decide on his remand and that the Judge extended his remand by a further 16 days.
According to the police, Sheikh Nishan is behind the Yoga Day clashes. However, video footage from the event shows Nishan discouraging violence and calling to maintain peace.
In addition to Sheikh Nishan, Sheikh Fazloon Mohamed was also arrested in connection to the case. The detention of both scholars has been appealed at the High Court.
