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MP Solih released from custody, after 11-days

Farah Ahmed
29 March 2018, MVT 10:42
Opposition MDP's parliamentary group leader and Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim "Ibu" Solih arriving to Male after his arrest --
Farah Ahmed
29 March 2018, MVT 10:42

Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group leader and Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Solih was released from police custody Wednesday, after 11-days of detention.

The experienced lawmaker Solih was arrested for the first time in his political career under the state of emergency on March 16 from a major opposition rally in the capital Male.

His remand was not extended, unlike most politicians who were arrested and remanded during the state of emergency that was in place for 45-days until it was lifted on March 22.

Speaking to the press after MP Solih’s remand hearing last Tuesday, his lawyer Nazim Abdul Sattar said that his remand was extended after the police deemed him to be a danger to society, and to prevent him from tampering with evidence. He was accused of obstructing the duties of law enforcement officers.

The Prosecutor General’s office however, on Wednesday, said that the police have not forwarded his case for prosecution yet, despite his lawyer claims that it has been filed at the office. An official from the Prosecutor General’s office said that the prosecution may have held disclosure discussion, but no official claims against the lawmaker have been filed yet.

MP Solih has been an instrumental figure in leading the opposition coalition activities since most of its leaders, including former President Mohamed Nasheed and Jumhoory Party’s leader Qasim Ibrahim are currently in self-exile, while others are serving time in prison on serious allegations.

While MP Solih was released, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, his son and Dhiggaru MP Faris Maumoon, former police commissioner and Kinbidhoo MP Abdullah Riyaz, opposition coalition’s spokesperson and Galolhu-South MP Ahmed Mahloof, Dhangethi MP Ahmed Ilham, Mid-Henveiru MP Ali Azim and Machangoalhi-South MP Abdullah Sinan, who were all arrested under the state of emergency, are still in custody.

MP Solih has another case pending at the Criminal Court after he was accused of trespassing last July during the clashes between the opposition lawmakers and the security forces, after they barred 11 unseated members from entering the parliament.

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