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Former Transport Ministry Deputy Minister Hassan Zihan has been arrested over a social media post suggesting setting fire to buildings housing the President’s Office, Parliament and Supreme Court.
Mariyam Adheela
Former Transport Ministry Deputy Minister Hassan Zihan --
MALE’, Maldives — Former Transport Ministry Deputy Minister Hassan Zihan has been arrested over a social media post referring to setting fire to buildings housing the country’s three main state institutions.
Police spokesperson Ahmed Shiyam confirmed the arrest to media.
In the now deleted Facebook post, Zihan questioned why fires were not being set at buildings housing the President’s Office, People’s Majlis and Supreme Court. He also described the prospect of burning the buildings as “it will be fun”.
Zihan previously served as a First Lieutenant in the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and worked as a naval architect. He was discharged from military service towards the end of the previous administration.
After this administration came to office, Zihan was appointed as a Deputy Minister at the Transport Ministry. He was later dismissed, following which he has a been a vocal critic of the government.
