Former President Mohamed Nasheed has weighed on the issue of medical leave granted to Jumhooree Party leader and Maamigili Constituency Member of Parliament Qasim Ibrahim, stating that the Government cannot spread false rumors.

In a tweet posted on Wednesday, President Nasheed said the Government was aware that MP Qasim departed for medical treatment and therefore the Government cannot make claims that the Parliamentarian had fled.

Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has requested Maldives Police Service (MPS) to bring back MP Qasim.

MP Qasim was first released for a 10-day medical leave, with him leaving on September 6th. A 10-day extension was granted after the first leave had expired. This was extended by five days later on.

MP Qasim was sentenced in absentia for three years, two months and 12 days by Criminal Court on bribery charges. He was sentenced while he was seeking treatment, after having collapsed in Court earlier on August 24th.

The Parliamentarian had undergone cardiac surgery on September 20th, with doctors advising him to remain in Singapore for three months.