The Criminal Court has given Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), the North Hulhumalé constituency councilor in Male’ City Council, 10 days to select a lawyer in the case concerning the charges brought against her related to the ‘Lootuvairi’ rally organized by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on the night of October 3 last year.

Zaya is accused of hindering a law enforcement officer in carrying out their lawful responsibilities.

Together with her, seven additional individuals have been charged in relation to the same case, including MDP’s Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir.

The preliminary hearing in the case against Zaya was conducted by the Criminal Court on Wednesday. Throughout the proceedings, Zaya sought 30 days to secure legal representation; nonetheless, the court allowed a 10-day timeframe.

Before entering the hearing, Zaya expressed that she would not be dissuaded by court summons or legal actions. She further claimed that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was trying to suppress her by applying inappropriate pressure on both the police and the judiciary.

MDP's anti-corruption rally, 'Lootuvaifi,' commenced at 09:00 pm on October 3, gathering hundreds of demonstrators at the Artificial Beach in Male's Henveiru area. As the protestors tried to proceed along Majeedhee Magu, the police claimed they were straying from the agreed route and obstructed their way. Conflicts erupted as demonstrators tried to push through, while law enforcement employed pepper spray and sound cannons to manage the crowd.

Eight protesters were arrested during the demonstration, and at least three more were detained in the following days. Nonetheless, the Prosecutor General’s Office has observed that there is a lack of sufficient evidence to pursue charges against certain individuals.