Chief of staff denies allegations, asks to publicize any audios proving otherwise

Chief of Staff at the President's Office Ali Zahir has denied the opposition's allegations of influencing the 2019 conviction of former President Abdulla Yameen.

While a five-judge bench found the former president guilty of money laundering back in November 2019 sentencing him to five years in prison, alleged audios of the three judges were leaked online on Sunday.

Officials of the opposition coalition went to meet with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih over the matter on Monday, but was instead given a meeting with the chief of staff. Opposition members that attended the meeting include Naifaru constituency MP Ahmed Shiyam, Maavah constituency MP Mohamed Saeed and Dhiggaru constituency MP Ghassaan Maumoon.

Zahir is to have expressed delight that the opposition chose to meet over the matter, adding that proper arrangements would have been made had they made an official request prior.

Speaking at the meeting, Naifaru constituency MP Shiyam noted that the leaked audios clips pose various accusations against the President's Office chief of staff adding that 'there are more recordings that further supports the allegations'.

Shiyam then asked Zahir to make sure things are resolved before these audio recordings are leaked as well.

In response to this, Zahir said that the Office has remained silent on the issue as they do not believe that the clips hold any merit.

Further denying the accusation, the chief of staff dared the opposition to publicize said clips 'if there really are any'.

While Zahir gave this assurance to the opposition, he previously spoke about the recent positive changes to the country's justice system.

Further, as the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has launched an investigation into the matter, Ali Zahir called for a speedy and transparent probe together with police and other relevant authorities. He added willingness to clear up any details regarding the case if it helps to speed up the process.

Before concluding the meeting, the chief of staff assured that the opposition's concerns will be shared with the president.

Opposition lawmakers went to try to meet with the president after protesting at Monday's parliament sitting.

At the sitting, the Naifaru constituency MP submitted an emergency motion regarding the leaked audio tapes, while the opposition lawmakers continue to protest on the parliament floor.

This led to members of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) expressing outrage over the leniency shown towards the upheaval caused by the protesting members. 

The MP for Vilufushi constituency, Hassan Afeef presided over Monday’s parliament sitting, as Speaker Nasheed is currently on extended leave, and Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla is abroad as well.

MDP members said that member Afeef was far too lenient with those causing commotion, and did not follow Majlis regulations crafted for such a situation. They went on to say that he let the disturbances go out of hand.

The commotion caused the session to be halted for ten minutes.