Mohamed Amir Ahmed (Fares Amir) was arrested by police at his home in Male’ yesterday, family sources stated. The reason for the detention is unknown.
Family sources said that three men from the Star Force’ unit of the police arrived at Amir’s house on Thursday and ordered him to accompany them to the police headquarters in the capital.
Amir’s wife said that the police gave no reason for the arrest but acquaintances have pointed out that Amir is highly critical of the government in his reporting for the popular weekly magazine, Fiyes.
Amir was particularly condemning of the actions of the ruling party during last -month’s by-elections to the Special Majlis.
Amir also comes from Fares-Maathodaa, an island that witnesses a bloody confrontation between locals and the police yesterday afternoon.
Friends have cautioned that the authorities may use Amir’s connection with the troubled island as an excuse to incarcerate him.
Amir has reportedly been transferred to Dhoonidhoo Island detention centre.
