Sheikh Adam Nishan, who was arrested for allegedly leading the International Yoga Day unrest, will appeal against the High Court ruling that found no judicial or legal basis to overrule the lower court order to detain him.
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. Twenty-one people, including two religious scholars, were arrested following the incident. Out of these, six people including Sheikh Nishan, still remain in custody.
On Thursday, the High Court ruled that the Criminal Court's order to detain Nishan was valid. Nishan's lawyers are preparing to appeal the decision.
The police requested to extend Nishan's custody, stating that there was sufficient evidence against him, including an intelligence report and video snapshots from the day of the unrest. However, Nishan's lawyers said he was arrested without sufficient evidence against him. The intelligence report prepared by the police does not meet requirements.
However, the court noted that the evidence points out that Nishan was involved in a serious criminal offense. The High Court said the court order issued by the Criminal Court to remand Nishan in custody was valid as the consequence of the acts committed by Nishan was a danger to society and created fear in the hearts of people, in addition to creating unrest in the society.
Three other orders issued by the court after reviewing Nishan's remand have also been appealed at the High Court. The hearings on the orders have now concluded, and a verdict will be issued soon. On Thursday, the court extended Nishan's remand by three days.
Police asked for the Nishan to be detained on the grounds that there was sufficient evidence. The intelligence report and video snapshots from the day. However, Nishan's lawyer told the High Court that he was arrested without evidence. The intelligence report does not meet the requirements.
The evidence shows that Nishan was involved in a criminal offense that day, and the case is also a serious criminal offense. It also held that the court order issued by the Criminal Court to remand Nishan in custody was valid as the consequence of the act committed by Nishan was a danger to society, deprivation of public interest, and creation of fear in the hearts of people.
Nishan's remand order was upheld, while three other court orders were also appealed in the High Court. The High Court has concluded the hearings on the orders. On Thursday, the court extended Nishan's remand by three more days.
