Have initiated procedures to bring back MP Qasim: Police

Maldives Police Service (MPS) says that they had initiated procedures to bring back Maamigili Constituency MP Qasim Ibrahim to Maldives from Singapore.

Police media official had confirmed the news. However, the official had refused to divulge details of the procedures.

MP Qasim, who is also the leader of opposition Jumhooree Party, was jailed for two years, three months and 12 days on bribery charges. The verdict issued by Criminal Court mandated that authorities release him for his medical treatment, specifically his cardiac issues. He departed to Singapore, where his medical leave had expired on the 2nd of this month. The Government since then had declared that he was a fugitive.

The Maldives Correctional Services had granted Qasim a 10-day period for medical leave on 6th September. Prior to this, the Home Minister had even suggested that Qasim bring in doctors to treat him.

The 10-day period was extended on September 13th, and again on 26th September. Qasim was asked to return to the country by 2nd October.

A statement released by the Parliamentarian said the airlines had denied him permission to board as his medical leave had not changed.