Ahmed Mauroof, Legal Director of the leading opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has expressed grave worries about the treatment of people detained during the party's "Lootuvaifi" demonstration that took place on October 3 in Malé City. He asserted that the detainees are enduring severe and humiliating treatment, and implied that the police's actions might be influenced by higher officials.

During a press conference organized by MDP’s legal team, Mauroof highlighted a troubling trend of obstruction, opacity, and potential politically motivated misconduct in managing arrests related to protests. He stressed that individuals held during the protest are not receiving treatment consistent with the standards usually enforced for minor offenses, labeling the treatment as exceedingly harsh.

MDP's legal team's attempts to acquire fundamental details regarding the detainees were apparently met with opposition. Mauroof mentioned that determining which police station was overseeing the investigation required significant effort. After it was verified that the Galolhu Police Station was leading the investigation, efforts to acquire significant updates or health information regarding the detainees proved fruitless. Personnel at the station were either reluctant or incapable of giving responses.

Those in detention include people who need consistent medication for long-term health issues. Mauroof showed significant worry regarding Hussain Salah, President of the Maafushi Council, who allegedly experienced a dislocated finger while being arrested. He mentioned that medical care, including an X-ray, was postponed for a long time following his injury.

To compound the seriousness of the situation, Mauroof claimed that despite the protest officially concluding around midnight, law enforcement was spotted the next day halting and interrogating those thought to have taken part. Some individuals were allegedly held on ambiguous charges like “impeding police operations” for declining to respond to unsolicited questions from the police in public.

Mauroof emphasized that these events indicate a concerning return to oppressive law enforcement methods absent for more than ten years. He voiced significant worry that the harassment and intimidation of politically active individuals, which had greatly diminished in previous years, are once more becoming habitual.

In light of these events, MDP has launched a legal helpline: 7341637, to offer support to those experiencing police inquiries or legal pressure related to the protest. The legal team has pledged to provide prompt assistance to those impacted.

The claims highlight escalating worries regarding the diminishing of civil rights and due process amid political opposition, and prompt urgent inquiries into how much law enforcement is being utilized as a mechanism for political control.