Rally for journalists’ release ends with Lucas and two others in remand

Shamoon Jaleel (Lucas), Ali Juman, and Abdullah Shareef have been remanded in connection with Wednesday’s protest against the intimidation and arrest of journalists, while the remaining detainees were released Thursday, leaving the trio to languish in remand.

The protest, led by former President Mohamed Nasheed, began near the MDP party camp and meandered toward the residence of former President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom, where the first clashes erupted, a predictable prelude in this oft‑repeated political pageant.

Ten people were arrested during the protest: eight men and two women.

Seven were released, while Lucas was remanded for 10 days, Juman for five, and Shareef for three, a hierarchy of detention that seems almost ceremonial in its arbitrariness.

Police, however, insist that nine people were arrested in connection with the protest, citing charges of obstructing police duty and disobedience to orders. The arithmetic of arrests, it appears, remains a matter of interpretive art.

A heated exchange of verbal hostilities broke out between protesters and police near Yameen’s residence, after which the rally drifted toward Majeedhee Magu, undeterred and perhaps mildly invigorated by the confrontation.

After the march, protesters settled at the junction of Majeedhee Magu and Chaandhanee Magu. A sizeable contingent of SO officers descended upon the area and attempted, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, to disperse the crowd.

The protest called for the immediate release of the arrested Adhadhu journalists and demanded an end to interference with press freedom, a refrain that has become, regrettably, perennial.

The rally was attended by Nasheed, Mayor Adam Azim, several MDP MPs, and a considerable number of citizens who, for one evening at least, found common cause in indignation.