Member of parliament and former Police Commissioner had claimed he cannot be hindered in his cause over constitutional reform despite mounting criminal charges on him by the incumbent government.
Abdulla Riyaz, who is the Kin'bidhoo constituency member said his continued fight against the current regime will continue in association with the four leaders comprising the opposition. His affirmation came in response to a third charge against him filed by government.
In the wake of state's new charges on Riyaz, prominent members of the opposition had expressed their concern and opinion that had included Mohamed Ameeth - who according to Elections Commission has been officially disqualified as Maduvvari member due to floor crossing - who criticized incumbent president Abdulla Yameen over his authoritarian conduct by surgically removing opposition members from influence or power.
The ex-Commissioner is now tried for obstructing official affairs by the state while he is also charged for obstructing an officer on duty.
Riyaz received his new charge post the proceedings of a previous trial which resulted in his refusal to provide the PIN of his smartphone. Prosecutor General's office had not disclosed the nature and details of the case.
According to Maldives Penal Code's article 511 the act of dialogue with government officials violating legitimacy can result in a jail sentence of up to 9 months and 18 days if the individual is convicted. Riyaz is alleged to have conversed with a government official in such regard.
The Kin'bidhoo MP includes among the dozen opposition members who received charges by the government recently. All 12 of them are charged with the unlawful obstruction of an officer on duty and breaking ranks at parliament premises to gain access into the chambers on July 24.
