MP Faris' legal team files habeas corpus plea for a fifth time

Detained lawmaker Ahmed Faris Maumon's legal team has filed for a writ of habeas corpus, for a fifth time since his arrest on July 18, saying that their client is being held unlawfully.

According to lawyer Ibrahim Shameel, they had filed an application for a writ of habeas corpus of Wednesday.

He said that they had done so as the state failed to levy charges against the Dhiggaru constituency MP within 30 days of his arrest, as stated by the Criminal Procedure Act. He was arrested on allegations of bribery.

He added that MP Faris is now being detained "unlawfully".

Noting that their client was arrested over allegations offering bribes, Shameel also highlighted that he was charged with accepting bribes.

Speaking after Faris was formally charged on Tuesday, lawyer Maumoon Hameed noted that while Faris was arrested and detained on the charges of offering bribes to his fellow parliamentarians, that he has been charged under clause 510 (a) of the Penal Code; which is accepting bribes.

He highlighted that he is being detained "in violation of prison and anti-torture laws".

Hameed also noted various other issues with the forensic analysis report made on the lawmakers' phone as evidence; including the fact that photographs and screenshots taken from Faris' phone on June 15 and July 3, despite the police having confiscated his phone on June 5.

MP Faris has also been charged with identity theft, for the alleged use of the logo and flag of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), despite being dismissed from the party.

He was dismissed from the party after voting against a three-line whip issued, on the amendments to the Tourism Act.

The ruling party has been divided into two factions since then, as with incumbent President Abdulla Yameen winning control of the party from its leader and his half-brother, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, through the Civil Court.