Aishath Najudha Ali, a candidate contesting in the upcoming Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Council elections, has been arrested in connection with a drug-related case and remanded in custody for five days.
Najuda had previously announced her candidacy for the position of President for the Kulhudhuffushi North constituency in the party’s internal elections.
According to a remand order issued by Criminal Court Judge Ali Adam, the court found that sufficient evidence had been presented to justify her detention pending investigation.
Citing Article 49 of the Constitution and Articles 59 and 60 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the court ruled that her release could pose a potential threat to public safety, making continued detention necessary.
The Criminal Court also stated that the arrest had been carried out in accordance with procedures outlined under the Criminal Procedure Act.
The case has drawn additional public attention as Najudha’s husband is reported to be a serving police officer.
Separately, Najudha is also facing charges over the alleged obstruction of a law enforcement officer during an MDP protest held in Malé on October 3 last year.
The Prosecutor General’s Office previously stated that the charges were filed after allegations that she disobeyed police orders during an assembly authorities said violated provisions of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act.
