An opposition rally held at Jumhoory Party’s main activity hub. PHOTO: HUSSAIN WAHEED/MIHAARU
The Prosecutor General’s Office has decided to not levy charges against Ahmed Shafiu, who was arrested under bribery accusations.
Shafiu, who is a member of opposition Jumhoory Party (JP), was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe lawmakers ahead of the censure motion against Parliament Speaker Abdulla Maseeh, along with Dhiggaru MP Faris Maumoon.
The state prosecution announced its decision to not press charges against Shafiu during the preliminary hearing of MP Faris’ bribery trial on Monday. Prosecutors stated that the decision was made based on the evidence received in Shafiu’s case.
Following the announcement, MP Faris’ lawyers had raised questions over why charges are being pressed against the opposition lawmaker while Shafiu, who is accused of the same offence, walks free. Faris’ lawyer Maumoon Hameed further alleged that the prosecution has not submitted the evidences, which were used against Faris during the investigation, to trial.
However, the prosecutors denied the accusation, stating that nine pieces of evidence against MP Faris has been submitted, including incriminating text messages and a recording of a phone call with Shafiu.
The JP member had been released by the Criminal Court after his initial arrest due to lack of evidence. While the state had appealed the verdict and sought a ruling to remand him until the end of his trial, the High Court had upheld the lower court’s verdict to free Shafiu.
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