MP Faris temporarily moved to house arrest

Opposition lawmaker Ahmed Faris Maumoon has been temporarily transferred to house arrest from Maafushi Prison.

Faris, the eldest son of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was arrested in July in the midst of a series of attempts by the opposition coalition to remove Parliament Speaker Abdulla Maseeh.

An official Maldives Correctional Services document, a copy of which has been seen by the Maldives Independent, prevents Faris from giving media interviews, going out and meeting people other than his lawyers and family members.

His sister Yumna has agreed to inform authorities of any violations, according to the MCS document.

MCS spokesman Ahmed Luqman confirmed to the Maldives Independent that Faris was moved so repairs could be carried out to his prison block. Faris was the only inmate transferred to house arrest because of the repair work, he said.

An aide to Gayoom said the arrangement was temporary but could not say for how long.

Faris is charged with bribery for allegedly offering money to lawmakers to influence the outcome of the vote to remove Maseeh.

The prosecutor general has also charged Faris with identity fraud over the use of the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives flag and logo at a press conference.