The High Court, on Thursday, concluded the appeal hearing of Dhiggaru MP Faris Maumoon’s arrest.
The opposition lawmaker had appealed the court orders to both arrest and remand him. The High Court, on Thursday, concluded the appeal hearing of Faris’ arrest and scheduled the appeal hearing of his remand.
Speaking after the hearing which took place behind closed doors, MP Faris’ legal team highlighted that the warrant to arrest the lawmaker was issued unlawfully, noting that the warrant was issued in violation of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Faris’ lawyer also stated that they had requested for a temporary court order to release the lawmaker until High Court reaches its verdict. However, the judge had decided to announce a decision later.
Meanwhile MP Faris is also on trial for impersonation charges for misusing the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) logo and flag.
Faris was taken into custody last week shortly after police searched his residence for evidence over an alleged attempt to buy-off and influence lawmakers to back the opposition led move to unseat the parliament speaker.
Court had remanded the eldest son of former president Gayoom until his sentence which came as a shock as the MP is yet to be charged and police are still investigating the case.
Faris was supposed to respond to the charges on Monday, but the defence had instead urged the court to allow the lawmaker his constitutional right to attend parliament.
The judge had allowed correctional service to take Faris to parliament after the prosecution refused to challenge the defence's request.
Correctional service officials however, had taken the MP back to prison in Maafushi island directly from the criminal court.
Faris has been summoned by the police numerous times over the past couple of months for questioning over bribery allegations.
The police had alleged that he attempted to bribe lawmakers ahead of the censure motion against the parliament speaker Abdullah Maseeh on March 27 adding that there was enough evidence against the lawmaker.
