The Criminal Court released Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Hassan Adil from house arrest on Monday.

Police Sub-Inspector Ahmed Shiyam confirmed that Adil was released by the Criminal Court under conditions.

The Criminal Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Adil in April, following allegations of child molestation. His detention was subsequently extended, and then later reduced to house arrest.

On June 12, the Criminal Court granted the Prosecutor General (PG) permission to hold MP Hassan Adil in house arrest until his trial reaches conclusion.

The court has said that permission was granted upon a request made by the PG’s office today during the first hearing of the trial.

Police have alleged that Adil sexually abused a 13 year-old girl belonging to a family with whom he was close friends.

The Criminal Court said the court warrant to hold Adil under detention until the trial end was issued according to article 28 of Child Sex Offenders Special Provisions Act.

Article 73[c] of the constitution states that a member of the parliament will be disqualified if found guilty of a criminal offence that involves a prison sentence of more than twelve months.

Formerly an MP of the opposition-aligned Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP), Adhil crossed the floor and joined the MDP in September last year.