Released against procedures, will work twice as hard for reform: Mahloof

The Galolhu South Constituency MP Ahmed Mahloof has stated that he was freed from jail against procedures.

Speaking to Raajje.mv following his release, Mahloof said procedures dictate the family of the inmate must be informed prior to release. This, he said was not followed in his release.

Mahloof said that on Friday at around 7am he was informed by jail officers that he will be transferred to Male’ and released but had not relayed this to his family. He was transferred home around 8.30am.

Mahloof thanked the citizens for their unwavering support and faith during the days he had spent in jail. He said this has spurred him to take a stronger role in the reform movement, adding that he will work twice as hard for reform.

Following his release, Mahloof had attended the Friday prayers in Islamic Centre, where after the prayers, he had met his supporters. Also on Friday evening, Mahloof made a special appearance on RaajjeTV's children's program, 'Heelamaa', one that he hosts every Ramadan.

Mahloof was sentenced to two consecutive jail terms that amount to 10 months and 24 days for obstruction of a law enforcement officer.

Mahloof was taken to India twice for medical treatment during his sentence.

He had appealed for parole during the six months sentence. However, the appeal had stalled until his sentence had expired. Mahloof also held a hunger strike in prison, protesting the conditions.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) on Wednesday decreed that Mahloof was jailed arbitrarily and therefore must be released immediately. The Group had also called on the Government of Maldives to pay damages for the time he had spent behind bars.

The Government is yet to issue a rebuttal to the decision.

The Maldives United Opposition (MUO) will hold a special rally Friday evening to mark Mahloof’s freedom, where the Parliamentarian will meet his supporters.