MP Qasim Ibrahim’s constituents in his native island of Maamigilli in Alif Dhaal atoll took to the streets in protest of their parliamentarian’s arrest in capital city Malé on Thursday night. 

Abdulla Mufeed, a member of the island’s council said Qasim Ibrahim’s arrest is unjust and called on the authorities to release him. He told RaajjeMV that the lawmaker’s supporters had gathered outside the police station calling for his immediate release. 

The island’s council had further issued a notice for any officers of the Maldives Police Service on the island to depart immediately.

The opposition Jumhooree Party leader was arrested on Thursday night on allegations of bribery, intimidation of a public official, and attempting to influence the conduct of law enforcement bodies.