Police have arrested a well-known figure from Addu City on suspicion of inciting unrest through social media during protests against the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill.
The suspect, identified as Ali Aanim Mufeed (29) of Athamaavila, S. Hithadhoo, was taken into custody under a court order on the night of 20 August 2025. Posting under the username @tweetsfromanim on X, Mufeed is alleged to have published messages encouraging disorder linked to the demonstrations.
Police confirmed the arrest in a brief statement, noting that the case remains under active investigation.
Aanim’s detention comes against the backdrop of growing public opposition to the controversial bill. Journalists and media advocates have staged protests in Malé and Parliament this week, warning that the proposed law could severely undermine press freedom by granting a new commission sweeping regulatory and punitive powers.
Police have appealed for further information from the public as the probe continues.
