RaajjeMV understands that authorities had attempted to free MP Faris Maumoon and former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, following Thursday night’s Supreme Court order to release nine political prisoners.

Speaking in a press conference on Saturday evening, MP Faris’ lawyer Ibrahim Shameel said his client was freed following the Supreme Court ruling. This information, he said, was disclosed to him after he was allowed to meet Faris.

Shameel added that both Faris and Adeeb were taken to the speed boat to be transferred to capital Male’ city from the prison in Dhoonidhoo island. The transfer was halted on orders of a specific individual.

The lawyer also said that Faris was kept outside of his cell until 8.30pm on Friday, mostly in the visitor’s area.

He was moved to his cell on Friday night, stating that he was still under arrest – a claim which Faris had raised objections to.

Out of the nine individuals Supreme Court ruling effectively freed, only MP Faris and Adeeb are in state custody.