The Criminal Court has extended the remand of Abbas Adil Riza, who was arrested on charges of calling for arson at the Indian High Commission in the Maldives.
Abbas called to set fire to the Indian High Commission in the Maldives and was arrested on December 25 after the government said it would take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of foreign diplomats in the Maldives. He was first remanded in custody for five days.
After the expiry of the initial remand period, he was produced before the Criminal Court on Friday to decide on his remand. The court extended his remand by seven more days.
Abbas was the government spokesperson during former President Mohamed Waheed's tenure and headed Maldives Customs Service at the State Minister level in the government of President Abdulla Yameen.
Abbas's call to set fire to the Indian High Commission has been condemned by all parties in the ruling coalition and the opposing MNP.
