MPs Azim and Solih given 9-day remand

Opposition MDP's PG leader and Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Mid-Henveiru MP Ali Azim have been remanded for 9 days.

Both MPs were arrested near the high security Republic Square zone after protesters poured onto the streets of the capital city to call for the resignation of President Yameen on Friday.

Until now, neither MP had been brought in for a remand hearing since they had supposedly been arrested under the State of Emergency.

Solih's lawyer, Nazim Abdul Sattar stated that the MP had been remanded by 9 days on the assumption that he might attempt to destroy evidence or possibly become a threat to national security.

While the police had previously stated that Solih had been arrested under the SoE, his lawyer later on claimed that he had been informed that his client was arrested for obstructing police duties, making his arrest inapplicable under the SoE.

While Nazim had mentioned Solih's stance as an MP, and the priority he should be given as a member, the police had said that he had been arrested for having enacted a criminal offense.

Both MPs Solih and Azim are being incarcerated in Dhoonidhoo island's detention center.

While both the MPs were remanded on Monday, it was observed that they were not taken out from the main entrance, where MDP Parliamentary group members as well as leaders of the Joint Opposition had gathered during the hearing.