MP Ilham, MP Sinan arrested upon return to country

South Machangolhi MP Abdulla Sinan and Dhangethi MP Ilham Ahmed have been arrested upon return to Maldives, this Sunday.

Both Ilham and Sinan’s families have confirmed they have been taken into police custody.

The report has not yet been confirmed by the police.

Meanwhile, South Thinadhoo MP Abdulla Ahmed, who returned to the country with Ilham and Sinan, has not been arrested.

Speaking to the press from Male’ City, Abulho said the police did not ask him any questions, but that both Ilham and Sinan were arrested.

“I am here, from today onwards, to work for the rights of the people. In Sha Allah, I will not hesitate. I will stand steadfast with the people. My courage remains unwavering,” said Abdulho.

Maldives Police Service issued summons to Sinan, four days back, for questioning in connection to the investigation into allegations Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon bribed fellow MPs. He was ordered to present himself to the police headquarters within 14 days.

Both Ilham and Sinan were among MPs who violated ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s whip-line and supported the opposition’s petition for the impeachment of Speaker of People’s Majlis Abdulla Maseeh in 2017. They both travelled out of the country when the political turmoil escalated at the time.

Ilham and Sinan are among the 12 MPs who Supreme Court re-instated to the People’s Majlis with its court order on February 1.