The Maldives Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed has apologized from the travel blogger from UK who was arrested at Maafushi for violation of local law.
Speaking at Monday's parliament session, Nasheed addressed the matter in English, and apologized to the tourist on behalf of Maldives government for the poor police conduct.
Moreover, Nasheed revealed the travel blogger, who fell into public divided scrutiny following the incident, has been extended with an invitation to visit Maldives once again.
Nasheed noted that the Maldives Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed and he had extended the invitation.
Furthermore, Nasheed claimed the incident has been detailed by Minister of Home Affairs Sheikh Imran Abdulla.
However, on Sunday Parliament Speaker expressed concern about Home Minister's comments regarding the traveler's arrest. Home Minister had commented that the tourist was in clear breach of law and was arrested accordingly, though he added that the situation could have been handled better.
Nasheed commented such conduct of brute force by the local law enforcement against visiting tourists will escalate in tarnishing the reputation of Maldivian tourism.
The female traveler, now identified as a travel blogger originating from UK, was arrested from the guesthouse heavy island of Maafushi for strolling into local inhabited areas without adhering to legally mandated dress etiquettes.
Upon confrontation by officers of Maldives police, the traveler refused to cooperate and became belligerent in her reaction.
The now viral video of the incident, shows the traveler was yelling "you are sexually assaulting me" though it was visible no one was attempting to harass her.
However, following a few minutes of clear uncooperation from the traveler, officers of Maldives police were seen manhandling the guest attempting to subdue her.
More reports regarding the incident claims the traveler appeared drunk and behaved erratically through the entire confrontation.
While the local public has been divided in their opinion, many claim the police handled the situation poorly and others criticized for the absence of female police officers to arrest the uncooperative traveler.
Maldives Police reported the island did not have any stationed female officers.
