Former President, and human rights icon, Mohamed Nasheed has called for the immediate release of Zaidhul Ameen, Malé City councilor and member of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s faction of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Ameen was arrested on January 13, over blackmail allegations, and remains in police custody. In February, he has released a statement making strong allegations against the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

He says that investigative officers are attempting to coerce him into providing a false statement against the PPM leader, with officers also claiming that his arrest “is vital for Maumoon’s arrest.”

In a tweet sent out on Tuesday, former President Nasheed called for the immediate release of Ameen.

Nasheed, leader of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said that Ameen is being kept in detention “against the law, for political purposes".

On Tuesday, court extended Ameen’s remand by 13 days.

Former President Maumoon called to launch an investigation into Ameen’s accusation against the institution.

MPS, via twitter, revealed that it has started investigating the matter, while the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has launched an investigation as well.

Ameen’s wife had, on February 23, filed the case at HRCM, asking for his protection, adding that Ameen was being “used as a political weapon”.

The ruling PPM has been divided into two factions since June 2016, as leader Maumoon and chief advisor, incumbent President Abdulla Yameen continue to battle over party leadership. Following the clash, Maumoon, who ruled the nation for 30 years- decided to withdraw his support for his half-brother's administration.