Two former presidents calls for Qasim’s release

Two former Presidents of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed and his predecessor, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has called for the release of the Leader of Jumhooree Party and MP for Maamiligi constituency , Qasim Ibrahim, who was arrested earlier tonight.

JP Leader, Qasim Ibrahim was arrested tonight at his residence, Maafannuvilla, with a court order. He has now been taken to the investigation jail in Dhoonidhoo.

Police said that that Qasim was arrested in suspicion of bribing MPs in the no confidence vote against the Speaker of the Parliament, Abdulla Maseeh, and in suspicion of attempting to influence the no confidence motion pending against the Deputy Speaker.

The reasons for the arrest in the court order signed by the Criminal Court Judge, Abdul Baree Yoosuf also include suspicion of working to influence security forces of the state and working outside the law to overthrow the constitutional government formed in the country.

In a tweet sent out by the former President Maumoon tonight said that he was “shocked” to hear of Qasim’s arrest and must be released immediately.

Shocked to learn that JP Leader Hon @qasimibrahim has been arrested. He must be released immediately. Rule of law must prevail.

— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) April 6, 2017

Former President, Mohamed Nasheed also tweeted out condemning the arrest along with a call to protest.

Strongly condemn the arrest of JP leader Hon. Gasim Ibrahim. Urge all Maldivians to come out and protest.

— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) April 6, 2017

The former Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed also expressed his concerns regarding the JP Leader’s arrest saying that the world cannot stand by while the Maldivian government targets their oppositions.

The world must not stand by as #Maldives regime barbarically targets opposition. MP & political leader Qasim arrested on dubious charges.

— Mohamed Jameel Ahmed (@MJameelAhmed) April 6, 2017

Adhaalath Party, who is also part of the joint opposition movement also condemned the arrest of Qasim Ibrahim and called for his release accusing the government of trying to influence the no confidence vote pending against the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament on 11 April 2017.