Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof has called for the release of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) activist Ali “Smith” Hashim, arrested for allegedly ‘attacking’ a former deputy minister at the home ministry.

While Hashim was arrested on Wednesday, he was remanded the same day; Criminal Court had issued him a seven-day remand.

According to former deputy minister Ahmed Siddeeq, an individual dressed in a ‘Jazeera Raajje’ t-shirt-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s campaign slogan- had attacked him in front of the Criminal Court, and that he had threatened to do so again. Siddeeq added that this was done in the presence of police officers.

Former ruling party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has condemned the alleged attack with its secretary general Mohamed Hussain Shareef stating that the Constitution gives all the right to criticize the government and its activities.

Mahloof shared a photo with Hashim via twitter late Wednesday night, calling to free him ‘now’.

A number of twitter users praised the youth minister for calling for Hashim’s release; this is the first time a government official has called for the release of a detainee.

In addition to Mahloof, a number of MDP members continue to call for Hashim’s release.