Zaidul Ameen, who was arrested over an alleged blackmail case, has been transferred to house arrest.

Zaidul is a member of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s faction of the divided Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

RaajjeMV was informed that he was transferred to house arrest for 48 hours.

According to Maumoon’s faction, Zaidul’s passport has also been withheld by authorities, under a court order.

Maldives Police Service has not commented on the matter.

He was arrested on January 12, over allegations that he had blackmailed an individual. The next day he was taken to the Criminal Court for his remand hearing, and was issued a 15-day remand.

Following the expiration of the initial remand period, Zaidul was taken to Court on January 28, and issued an additional 15-day remand. It is unclear why he was transferred to house arrest before the end of his remand period.

Police is yet to reveal any details on the case.

Zaidul Ameen is a member of the Male’ City Council, as well as a close acquaintance of former President Maumoon.

Maumoon is currently involved in a public battle with his half-brother, President Abdulla Yameen, over party leadership.