Former Defence Minister Nazim arrested

Former Minister of Defence Mohamed Nazim has been arrested on suspicion of possession of weapons.

The arrest took place under an arrest warrant at his residence, G. Enif, at around 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday. He was taken to the investigation prison in Dhoonidhoo.

As he came out of his house he was accompanied by his lawyer Maumoon Hameed, President Yameen’s and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's nephew.

Nazim's arrest comes 23 days after police discovered weapons in his house. The case was filed to Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution on Monday.

After police entered his house on Monday night, Nazim tweeted that he has left ruling party Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed has said that the items found in Nazim’s house include a pistol, magazine, three bullets, and an improvised explosive device (IED).

Two people, a supporter of PPM and a supporter of opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), were arrested at Republic Square following unrest as Nazim was taken to the boat to Dhoonidhoo.