Former Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Areef has called on authorities to uphold the rule of law.

Areef was arrested on Tuesday morning, and is being accused of conspiring to overthrow the government.

Following a meeting with Areef in Dhoonidhoo Detention Centre on Tuesday night, lawyer Mahfooz Saeed said that the former CP “denies” the charges against him.

“He is in good spirits and urged everyone to exercise their constitutional rights and uphold the rule of law,” added the lawyer.

Areef’s arrest comes over a month after his dismissal, which had sparked arrest rumors.

He was dismissed on 1^st February, and replaced by his deputy Ahmed Saudhi, who was later replaced with now acting commissioner Abdulla Nawaz. Prior to Areef’s dismissal, the police had announced that they had begun work to enforce the Supreme Court ruling issued earlier that day. Areef claims that he was dismissed for working to implement the ruling.

Government officials had said that Areef was dismissed due to failure to respond to calls by President Abdulla Yameen.