The Criminal Court has extended the detention of opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) activist Ali Juman by a further 15 days as police investigate allegations that he encouraged acts of arson, vandalism and looting during anti-government protests.
Juman, 25, also known as Ali Juman Death, is being investigated under terrorism-related allegations following social media posts in which he allegedly urged members of the public to damage buildings and vehicles and target commercial establishments.
The court granted the extension after reviewing evidence submitted by the Maldives Police Service, including an intelligence report, records of posts published through Juman’s account on X and documentation relating to his arrest.
According to the remand order, the court determined that continued detention was justified on public safety grounds, citing provisions of the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Act.
Police are investigating statements allegedly made by Juman calling for violent demonstrations against the government, including setting fire to property and looting shops.
In one of the posts cited in the case, Juman allegedly referred to the government’s handling of land and claimed that property was being handed over to Jews, before urging people to take destructive action.
The statements reportedly included calls to set fire to buildings and vehicles, create unrest and organise protests against the administration.
He is also accused of encouraging people to loot outlets operated by Redwave, a retail business in the Maldives.
Juman, who is from Kullhavagge in Baarah, Haa Alifu Atoll, has previously been detained in connection with opposition demonstrations.
He was arrested following a major MDP protest held in Malé on 3 October 2025 on suspicion of failing to comply with police instructions.
However, the Prosecutor General’s Office subsequently decided not to pursue criminal charges against him in connection with that incident.
Juman was also arrested during later opposition demonstrations, although the details and outcomes of those cases were not specified in the latest court account.
The current investigation is separate from those earlier protest-related arrests and concerns allegations that his public statements encouraged violence and destruction of property.
The case comes amid another investigation involving former Maldives National Defence Force First Lieutenant and former Deputy Minister Zihan Hassan, who has also been arrested over alleged calls for attacks on government institutions.
Zihan is accused of encouraging the burning of the President’s Office, the People’s Majlis building and the Supreme Court.
The two investigations concern separate individuals accused of making statements advocating violence against public and private property.
The allegations have raised questions about the distinction between political expression and statements encouraging criminal acts, particularly when such remarks are made during periods of heightened political tension.
Under Maldivian law, the right to peaceful assembly and political expression is constitutionally protected, while threats of violence and incitement to criminal conduct may give rise to separate criminal investigations.
Juman remains in police custody under the latest Criminal Court order as investigators continue examining the allegations against him.
