Former Deputy Minister Hassan Zihan has been placed in custody for 15 days after reportedly urging the burning of three significant state structures: the President’s Office, Parliament, and the Supreme Court.

Zihan, a past First Lieutenant of the MNDF and previous Deputy Minister of Transport, was taken into custody early on Tuesday. Police spokesperson Ahmed Shiyam informed Sun that his custody has now been prolonged to 15 days.

Zihan posted on Facebook asking “why” the buildings that contain the offices of the three branches of government haven't been set ablaze, and he promoted that action. He additionally stated that "it will be enjoyable." The post was removed roughly an hour following its release.

Zihan, a graduate of the US Naval Academy who formerly served as a naval architect with the MNDF, was released from military service at the conclusion of the previous administration. His close colleagues assert that he was ousted for voicing criticism against the previous administration. He was later designated as Deputy Minister of Transport by the present government, but was later dismissed from the position.