Maldives frees World Cup terror suspect

Maldavian national Iqbal Mohamed, who was suspected of plotting an attack on the Cricket World Cup in South Asia, has been released on the basis of a court order in the Maldives.

Mohamed, 42, was arrested on March 10 on arrival at Male International Airport from Pakistan following a tip-off from Interpol.

Interior minister Rehman Malik and Interpol chief Ronald Noble announced the arrest last week, saying a "serious attempt" at an attack had been foiled. But now the terror suspect has been released.

"He (Mohamed) is no longer in our custody. He was released over the weekend on a court order," The Daily Times quoted police spokesman Ahmed Shiyam, as saying.

Shiyam declined to give the reason of his release. However, it has been reported that a court had refused to extend Mohamed's detention and ordered his release late on Friday.