Ex-Presidents Nasheed and Gayoom commend Qasim Ibrahim's courage

Former Presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed have commended Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim for his ‘courage’ and rejoiced at the Criminal Court’s decision to release him on Wednesday.

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who leads a faction of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives, saluted Qasim Ibrahim in a tweet he sent out following the release.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party leader Nasheed had also expressed his sentiments through a tweet he typed on in Dhivehi.

“Honourable Qasim Ibrahim’s release from prison is a cause for happiness and hope, even if it is with terms imposed against him" Nasheed's tweet said.

The Criminal Court released Jumhooree Party leader from remand after about three weeks in detention, under the condition that he abides by seven terms dictated by the judge.

The court’s ruling on Wednesday stated that Qasim Ibrahim be obliged to do the following:

• Assist in the police investigation into the allegations against him.
• To refrain from any acts that constitute witness tampering.
• To not leave the borders of the capital city.
• To not make remarks that hinders the dignity of the parliament, judiciary, or government and those that are charged with presiding over these institutions.
• To not express ‘sentiments inciting discord’.
• To not meet or interact with individuals who ‘hold sentiments inciting discord’.
• To ensure that any lands or property held by him is not used to spread ‘sentiments inciting discord’.

Officers arrested and detained Qasim Ibrahim on the night of 6th April on allegations of bribery, attempting to influence the conduct of a public official, and trying to sway a voter.

The police later raised charges of ‘rioting’ against him as well, which is what speeches calling for reform or political protest is classified under in the penal code.