United States Ambassador Atul Keshap has condemned the arrest of Dhiggaru MP Faris Maumoon.
MP Faris was arrested on Saturday on allegations of planning to overthrow the government.
In a tweet, the US ambassador noted that the court warrant was issued at 4am by a judge with less than a week’s tenure on the bench.
Ambassador Keshap also noted that Faris was arrested after he was released two days ago following six months in jail.
He said that the arrest suggests “due process of law and fair play in politics remain under threat” in Maldives.
A 4am warrant issued by a judge with less than a week’s tenure on the bench to search for evidence and arrest an elected Member of Parliament who had just been released after 191 days in jail suggests due process of law and fair play in politics remain under threat in #Maldives. https://t.co/hQw4d8ys0d
— Atul Keshap (@USAmbKeshap) January 27, 2018
According to the arrest warrant, 'there are suspicions that if Faris remains free he will obstruct the investigation, hide evidence, tamper with evidence, destroy evidence and influence eyewitnesses'. The warrant was issued based on evidence from an anonymous witness.
Police on Saturday also searched Faris’ home, as well as that of his father, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Speaking to the media earlier today, MP Faris revealed that he had met with Police Commissioner Ahmed Areef, who told him of attempts to have him arrested again by President Abdulla Yameen. However, authorities have denied that their meeting took place.
