Ibu released from police custody

Leader of opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s parliamentary group, Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) has been released from police custody.

His release has been confirmed to “Sun” by his attorney.

Ibu was arrested on March 16 for obstruction of police officers.

The case was sent to the Prosecutor General’s Office on Sunday, March 25.

The police allege Ibu lead a group of people into the cordoned Republic Square area and into the green zone on the night of March 16, pretended the government has been overthrown, gathered a crowd of citizens into the area through trickery, forced the loss of control by police and military, and attempted to create unrest.

Ibu was arrested at approximately 10:45 pm on March 16. The police were granted a nine-day extension to his remand, which ended this Wednesday.

 He has been kept detained for total 12 days.

The police have requested Ibu be charged under Article 532 of the Penal Code (obstruction of a law enforcement officer) and Article 533 of the Penal Code (obstruction of the justice).

141 protestors were arrested from the demonstration by the opposition in Male’ City on March 16. Many of them have since been released.

However, MDP alleges 32 people arrested under the State of Emergency remain in detention.