Criminal Court releases 21 Anbaraa detainees

The Criminal Court has released 21 individuals arrested from a music festival on Anbaraa Island on alleged drug abuse.

Only 13 of the 79 initially detained are now in custody.

The Maldives Police Services had also released 44 individuals on Tuesday.

Detainees have accused the police of brutality during arrests including the use of batons and rubber bullets.

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said constitutional rights and human rights procedures were violated during the police raid.

However, the police have denied accusations claiming all detainees were informed of their constitutional rights, informed of the reason for their arrest and brought before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. Police also noted the raid was carried out under a court warrant.