Opposition councillor arrested

Ali Hashim, president of Dhidhdhoo island council, has been arrested on charges of forging official documents.

Council member Abdulla Siraj told Sun Online that Hashim was taken into custody with an arrest warrant around 3 am Wednesday. Police searched his home following the arrest.

Documents sent from Dhidhoo council office to the Local Government Authority on March 1 included some that were allegedly forged, according to the warrant.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party councillor was accused of involvement in the suspected forgery.

He may tamper with evidence, influence witnesses and the ongoing investigation by obstructing justice, the warrant stated as the reasons for his arrest.

The arrest and search warrants were issued by the magistrate court in Haa Alif Ihavandhoo island based on intelligence reports submitted by the police.

Last month the council offices were raided following the suspension of four councillors who supported a Supreme Court order calling for the release of political prisoners.

Hashim was also suspended by the LGA in September 2015 over a row related to newly built housing units on Dhidhdhoo island.