The family of Hassan Solah, President of the Maafushi Council, who remains in custody following the mass October 3 protest, has met with members of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) Parliamentary Group, where they expressed their concerns over what they describe as an unjust and politically motivated detention.

The meeting took place in Maafushi on Saturday evening, as MDP continues to organize nationwide activities demanding the release of individuals detained in connection with the party’s mass gathering in Malé City, titled the “Lootuvaifi” rally. Events have already been held in Kulhudhuffushi City of Haa Dhaal atoll and Dhaandhoo island of Gaaf Alif atoll, with further actions planned in Maafushi and other islands.

MDP asserted that the six individuals arrested during the October 3 protest are being held for political reasons, and has launched an island-wide campaign to call for their immediate release. These efforts are being coordinated not only in the capital but also in the home constituencies of the detainees.

The Criminal Court has extended the remand period for all six individuals by an additional 15 days. Those currently held include Yaugoob Abdulla, Yasir Abdul Latheef, Council President Hassan Solah, Ali Jumaan, Azeem Ali, and Hassan Shakir.

Concerns over the treatment of detainees have intensified following reports that Solah sustained an injury to his finger while in custody. In addition to this, footage has emerged on social media showing Yasir Abdul Latheef being roughly handled while handcuffed, raising questions about the conditions and conduct of law enforcement.

The detentions have sparked accusations that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is using state institutions to suppress opposition activity. Critics argue that the government has begun targeting MDP leaders and supporters under the guise of legal investigations, with the apparent aim of undermining the party ahead of its planned mass demonstration on November 17.

MDP, the country’s largest opposition party, has accused the government of weaponizing independent institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), to issue politically motivated summons and intimidate its members.

As tensions escalate, the arrests and extended detentions are increasingly being seen as part of a broader campaign to restrict dissent and limit MDP’s ability to mobilize politically under the current administration.