Amnesty International has demanded the immediate release of jailed Dhiggaru constituency lawmaker Ahmed Faris Maumoon.
According to the international rights body the son of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been jailed on trumped charges that holds no grounds. The group added his imprisonment was illegal and therefore should be freed immediately.
Criminal Court found MP Faris Maumoon guilty of misusing ruling Progressive Party of Maldives' (PPM) banner and logo; without the party's consent.
The Dhiggaru MP has been sentenced to four months and 24 days in jail for his impersonation conviction.
Amnesty International had issued a statement following Criminal Court's sentencing, noting he was charged with baseless allegations. Furthermore the rights body added the lawmaker's prosecution by state was politically motivated.
The statement had also criticized state for collecting confidential eyewitness testimonies and denying to divulge necessary documents with the defense.
Amnesty International had further urged Maldives government to provide free and fair opportunity for all parties involved in the upcoming presidential elections.
The international rights body was severely critical about president Abdulla Yameen's administration, accusing him of restricting freedom of expression. Amnesty had also accused president Yameen of 'silencing dissenting voices.'
