Mohamed Shifaz, the deputy leader of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has said that it was worrying that police officers were jailed for attempting to implement a Supreme Court ruling.

Speaking at a joint opposition rally, Shifaz said that while police have arrested numerous citizens for allegedly obstructing police duties, the officers themselves are also being jailed for fulfilling their duties.

Former police commissioner Ahmed Areef has been recently jailed and charged with terrorism after he attempted to implement the Supreme Court order on February 1 to release political prisoners and reinstate opposition MPs.

Areef has been remanded for the remainder of his trial for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government.

Shifaz said those in jail gain courage by the opposition’s work for their sake.