Sheikh Adam Nishan, who was arrested for allegedly leading International Yoga Day unrest, has been granted conditional release by the Criminal Court.
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 Nishan, were arrested in the days that followed.
The Criminal Court released Nishan after he was produced before the court on Sunday for a decision on his remand. Nishan was released on three conditions. He is required to notify the court of his phone number and address, to notify the court in writing if he needs to travel, and not to commit any further offences.
Nishan was released while his detention has been appealed to the higher courts.
Nishan's remand has been extended several times by the Criminal Court. The first order was appealed and the High Court ruled that it was valid. Nishan's lawyers said Saturday that they are working to appeal the order in the Supreme Court.
Three other orders have been appealed in the High Court. The court has not yet ruled on the orders.
The police said they had some evidence that Nishan was involved in the Yoga Day unrest. The prosecution and police have also said in the High Court that there is evidence that Sheikh Nishan encouraged unrest on social media.
