MP Ilham to file case against police for holding wife ‘hostage’

Dhangethi constituency MP Ilham Ahmed, one of the 12 lawmakers that were unfairly dismissed and contentiously reseated, has said he intends to file a case against the Maldives Police Service for holding his wife ‘hostage’.

Ilham said in an interview on Sunday that preparations for the case are being made and that it will be filed when president-elect Ibrahim Solih takes office. Ilham said that he wants those responsible for the incident to ‘face justice’.

Ilham’s wife Masha Hassan, who has been vocal in campaigning for her husband’s release, was summoned by the police for a statement in their investigation into allegations against Ilham, who was accused of funneling funds into parliament, that was used to buy off his colleagues.

The family has reported that Masha was not asked to provide a statement but was intensely interrogated for information that may implicate the lawmaker. They described this as harassment and holding her hostage.

Ilham has also said that the ordeal has caused significant psychological disturbance to members of their family and that they intend to acquire compensation for it.