MP Ali Azim placed under house arrest

Medhu-Henveiru MP Ali Azim has been placed under house arrest.

A police media official told Sun Online that Azim was placed under house arrest today. He did not provide details.

Azim’s detention period was extended by the Criminal Court for 7 days on 30 September.

Azim was arrested following unrest at a protest by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on 29 September.

At the protest, Azim urged protesters to break through police barricades and lines.

Azim was repeatedly advised by the police to stop instructing protesters to act in this manner. He failed to obey this order, and was thus arrested by the police.

The Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions has accused the police of using excessive force during Azim’s arrest, and initiated an investigation into this matter. The Police Integrity Commission, the Human Rights Commission and the Prosecutor General have been summoned to the committee for questioning.

The police have denied the accusations against them regarding Azim’s arrest.