Opposition lawmakers protest Mahloof’s conviction

Opposition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) lawmakers, on Tuesday, protested the 4-month and 24-day prison sentence issued against MP Ahmed Mahloof.

The lawmakers protested Mahloof’s prison sentence and called out for the state to free him, during the People’s Majlis session held on Tuesday morning.

Mahloof was sentenced to prison by Criminal Court on Monday after he was found guilty of obstructing police from performing their duties when he allegedly refused to board the police vehicle after a remand hearing on April 3 in spite of repeated instructions by officers, and attempted to make a run for it.

The South Galolhu MP has maintained that he had not tried to make a run for it, but had rather instinctively rushed to his wife’s rescue because police officers had been “all over her.”

Mahloof will still retain his seat at the Majlis as his prison sentence is below 1 year.

The first reading of anti-defamation and freedom of expression bill – scheduled for Tuesday – has been cancelled.

Debate on the Finance Committee’s report supporting increasing health insurance package for state ministers, judges, lawmakers and heads of state institutions was held during the session amid the protests, with the Speaker of Majlis announcing that the matter will be called to vote when the Majlis session resumes at 1:30 pm, after the break.