Two arrested in youth-led 'Dhulehnukuraanan' protests

Maldives Police Service has arrested two individuals during Thursday night's Dhulehnukuraanan protests, a youth led nightly movement in the country's capital city demanding justice for Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed.

The protests first started after 21 year old Yumn was found fallen onto the roof of a warehouse on April 18 following a night out with friends. Protestors allege authorities mishandled the case in favour of the accused individuals, including Raudh Ahmed Zilal, who remains in custody as the main suspect in the case.

The protests, which were peaceful until Thursday night's incident, turned violence when police disbursed the protest with force at around midnight. Confrontations reportedly took place between officers and protestors, with police using pepper spray as well.

Media reports say the protest started at 08:00 pm as usual, and that this protest saw protestors playing table tennis and carom in the middle of the road. Loud music was also reportedly heard, followed by police's intervention.

Amid the heavy public scrutiny over the case, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has put together a presidential commission to probe into the allegations against Maldives Police Service.

While Raudh remains held in remand, the others involved in the case have had their passports withheld, police said.