AP calls for immediate release of Shidhatha’s passport

Adhaalath Party has called the government for “immediate” release of the passport of its council member, Shidhatha Shareef.

Shidhatha’s passport was confiscated by authorities from the airport just as she arrived back in Maldives after a trip abroad last Thursday, January 26.

Shidhatha, in addition to being a council member of AP, is a key member of Maldives United Opposition.

AP, in a statement it issued this Saturday, alleged that confiscation of Shidhatha’s passport was an attempt to derail the party’s efforts to strengthen ties with the international community, build a mature and civilized community, develop the nation, and produce political leaders.

“As its evident the harassment by government against Shidhatha Shareef, with the violation of freedom to travel – a right ensured through Article 41 of Constitution – has no legal basis, and is a unjust punishment that makes no sense; this further proves the government has lost the support of the people and is desperate, as the presidential election looms closer,” read AP’s statement.

In an earlier interview to “Sun”, Shidhatha said the police told her that her passport was seized under court order, but that the authority did not provide any details on what the case was about.

“I was held and my passport was held. I have been released now but my passport is still being held,” said Shidhatha.

Police previously confiscated phones belonging to her and some other top MUO officials under court order, under suspicion of “obstruction of State and obstruction of rule of law”.

Shidhatha previously served as State Minister of Ministry of Gender for President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration.