Former MP Mohamed Ismail, who was arrested in relation to the unrest at the National Stadium on International Yoga Day, has been released from detention.
On June 21, the Youth Ministry and the Indian Embassy in the Maldives jointly organized an event to celebrate Yoga Day at the stadium. The event was held despite religious scholars advising against it, as yoga is considered impermissible by the majority of scholars. While the event was ongoing, a group stormed the stadium and caused unrest at the venue.
Mohamed Ismail was arrested on June 22 from a restaurant in Male' City. His party, the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) has confirmed that Mohamed had been released over a month after his arrest.
Mohamed Ismail leads former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom's 'India Out' campaign. He has been arrested several times for participating in 'India Out' events.
The police allege that Mohamed played a role in interrupting the Yoga Day events at the stadium. According to the police, the flags that were carried by the protestors at the event were supplied by the PPM Office. The flags were allegedly released to the protesters under the leadership of Mohamed, the police believe.
