Mohamed Rusthum Mujuthaba was arrested by police in the Maldives earlier this week on charges of “insulting Islam” on social media. @RusthumRussso Tweeted police raising the alarm on multiple death threats against him; instead he was arrested and taken into custody. No further information has been given by the police and his place of detention is unknown. No lawyers have agreed to represent him so far and according to local sources, lawyers are reluctant to do so especially in light of several murders by Islamists, including of journalists and bloggers.

We, the undersigned, condemn his arrest and demand his immediate release. @RusthumRussso was merely exercising his freedom of conscience and expression and has a right to do so. We also call for an end to the blasphemy law in the Maldives so that believers and nonbelievers may freely express their conscience without fear, threats or imprisonment.

Council of Ex-Muslims of Sri Lanka

Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain

Ex Muslim Support Network of Australia

Ex-Muslims of Tamil Nadu, India

Faithless Hijabi

Irreligious Community Of Sri Lanka

M.A.L.I. Alternative Movement of Individual Liberties

Muslimish

One Law for All

Yukthivadi Sangham, Kerala, India