Members of the opposition political alliance suspects the state has set in motion a plot to arrest three of its members before parliament sessions resume.
The opposition lawmakers who are believed to get apprehended under this plot are South-Galolhu constituency lawmaker Ahmed Mahloof, mid-Henveiru constituency member Ali Azim and Nolhivaram constituency parliamentarian Hussain Areef.
While speaking to media outside parliament premises, Ahmed Mahloof affirms the state has alleged opposition members striking violence with an officer of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) dispatched at the parliament house for security. Mahloof also added that reports of MNDF's Major General Ahmed Shiyam meeting with soldiers have been received, while the lawmaker alleges the Major General of invoking intimidation on subordinating officers.
According to Mahloof, Major General Shiyam has threatened his officers of impeaching from designation if they refuse to testify against opposition - maintaining the faux of an altercation between an army officer and opposition lawmakers.
The South-Galolhu lawmaker confirmed of several MNDF officers reporting of this incident to opposition, validating the rumor of plan in motion to arrest the mentioned lawmakers for the apparent offense before parliament session resumes.
MP Mahloof urged army officers not to give in to oppression of state and seniors and testify according to unjust orders, adding that when just trials commence the officers would be facing consequences of their action.
Lawmaker Azim defined the state's move as a desperate attempt to hinder opposition's reform works, affirming their stance will not be deterred.
Meanwhile passports of the three lawmakers have been confiscated by authorities while they are under a no-fly order.
As of now 12 of the opposition members have charges pressed against them. All of them are being tried for breaching authority conduct and attempting to break ranks of security officials at parliament chambers.
Comments from both MNDF and Police has not been available regarding the case.
