MDP condemns Mahloof’s prison sentence

Opposition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has condemned the prison sentence issued against MP Ahmed Mahloof on Monday.

Criminal Court sentenced Mahloof to 4 months and 24 days in prison for obstructing police from performing their duties.

He is accused of refusing to board a police van and trying to make a run for it after his remand hearing in a previous case on April 3, at around 7 pm in spite of repeated instructions by police officers.

Mahloof has maintained that he had not tried to make a run for it, but had rather instinctively rushed to his wife’s assistance because police officers were “all over her”.

MDP released a press statement after Mahloof was sentenced, saying that the party condemned the sentencing that was carried out behind closed doors, and that it proved that no even an official elected to public office by the people was provided any room to criticize the government.

MDP Spokesperson Hamid Abdul Gafoor said that democracy was disappearing from the country right in front of everyone’s eyes.

The party asked for international pressure to make sure the Maldivian government complies with reform objectives set by Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group.

Mahloof had remained an independent candidate after he was kicked out of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) last year.

He has, however, been working closely with MDP, and is the Spokesperson for Maldives United Opposition.